Finally, Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) has started preparing to return to the field. After being sidelined for a long period due to injury, Kim Min-jae reappeared in team training, signaling that his return is imminent.
Bayern Munich will play its final group stage match against Benfica (Portugal) on the 25th (Korea time) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This match is a showdown for the top of Group C between Bayern Munich, who has already secured a spot in the round of 16 (6 points), and second-place Benfica (4 points).
Under head coach Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich has showcased strong offensive power in its previous two matches. In the first match, they defeated Oakland City (New Zealand) 10-0, and in the second match, they overcame South America's traditional powerhouse Boca Juniors (Argentina) 2-1, securing their advancement to the tournament early.
The news of Kim Min-jae's return from injury has captured the attention of fans.
On the 23rd, Bayern Munich announced through the club's official website, "The team took a day off the day after the match against Boca, and then on Sunday morning, they conducted training in preparation for the match against Benfica," adding that "Kim Min-jae participated in some training sessions with the team."
Although Kim Min-jae has not yet been involved in full tactical training, it has been reported that he was able to check his physical condition by doing warm-ups with his teammates. While there were no scenes capturing him directly handling the ball, it is significant that he has taken the first step toward a full return.
During the previous season, Kim Min-jae played through chronic pain in his left Achilles tendon, contributing to the team's championship. However, his condition worsened toward the end of the season, ultimately sidelining him, and he was not included on the roster for the first two matches of this Club World Cup. Coach Kompany also made careful decisions to exclude Kim Min-jae from both the Oakland and Boca matches, considering his physical condition.
However, with his return to training, the possibility of Kim Min-jae returning during the tournament schedule is being raised. If he participates in games after the quarterfinals, his market value and recovery will again draw attention.
Currently, Kim Min-jae is in an uncertain situation due to issues with his standing within the team. Bayern Munich recently made a major acquisition of center back Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, reshaping their defensive line. As a result, Kim Min-jae is being mentioned as one of the likely candidates for sale in the summer transfer market.
Interest in Kim Min-jae is spreading across Europe. In Italy's Serie A, Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan are pursuing his return, and he is also linked with multiple clubs within the Premier League.
As Kim Min-jae approaches his return, he is expected to focus on regaining his performance for the time being and carefully decide on his next steps. Attention is drawn to his next choice as he reappears on the training field after months of rehabilitation and uncertainty.
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