Despite the successful Bundesliga start against Wolfsburg, the question of when Joshua Kimmich will be able to return to action remains unanswered at FC Bayern. After the game, the international himself commented on the current situation.
The midfield boss was once again missing from the squad for the 8-1 win over VfL and will probably also have to miss the away game in Cologne. „I don’t think so,“ Kimmich told BILD immediately after the game when asked whether he would be available again on Wednesday.
His words reflect the progress of his rehab so far. Since the international break in November, the 30-year-old has been struggling with ankle problems that have proved more persistent than initially thought. He already missed the last game before the winter break in Heidenheim, as well as the start of training and the test against Salzburg.
Comeback only without risk
However, Kimmich is now training individually again at Säbener Straße. Under the guidance of head of rehab Benjamin Sommer, he recently completed around 20 minutes of running training at various intensities – his first time back in soccer boots. He was even able to do his first sprints, but has yet to join in with team training.
There is a consensus at the club not to take any risks, with sporting director Max Eberl already stating: „It won’t be a long story, but it could take a few more days.“ A premature deployment should be avoided at all costs – also with a view to the decisive phase of the season in the spring. Kimmich will only return once the symptoms have completely disappeared.
In the meantime, coach Vincent Kompany will have to continue to improvise. Against Wolfsburg, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof formed the center of midfield. Goretzka was initially on the bench, youngster Santos Daiber did not make an appearance but remains an option. Kompany is likely to rely on the young double-six again in Cologne.
Kimmich’s involvement in the top match at RB Leipzig next Saturday is at least not out of the question – provided his ankle plays along. Until then, the motto remains: patience instead of risk.
