The worries at FC Bayern continue unabated. Once again, a key player is suddenly on the brink of retirement. The uncertainty continues to grow just before important tasks.
There were signs of another setback in the international match: Konrad Laimer had to miss the clash against Ghana at short notice after feeling discomfort in his knee after training. Although there is no precise diagnosis, those responsible reacted immediately.
ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick explained the decision clearly: „Konny trained normally yesterday and had no problems. But after training he felt something in his knee. It was an irritation, so we decided not to take any risks.“ The midfielder was then rested to avoid a possible aggravation.
The situation also remains open with regard to the upcoming games. Rangnick made it very clear: „We know what games he has to play. We don’t have to test Konny; we know what we have in him.“ He deliberately left open the possibility of him playing against South Korea: „We have to wait and see. We won’t take any risks.“
Caution remains the clear principle at FC Bayern
While there are new question marks over Laimer, there are at least the first positive developments at Säbener Straße. Aleksandar Pavlovic has returned to training after his hip problems and completed an individual session. The 21-year-old is thus sending out an important signal after a recently unclear situation.
Jamal Musiala is also working his way back step by step. Following his ankle injury, the attacking player has recently undergone targeted training and has now been able to complete his first sessions on the pitch again. At the same time, Alphonso Davies made progress following his muscle injury and trained with the ball again for the first time.
All eyes are on Madrid
In the background, all eyes are already on the Champions League. The quarter-final against Real Madrid awaits at the beginning of April, with the first leg in Madrid on 7 April and the second leg in Munich on 15 April. The record champions are hoping to have a wider squad by then. Last year, the international break in March had already hit Munich hard in terms of injuries, which was probably one of the reasons for their surprising early exit against Inter Milan in the quarter-finals of the premier class.
The situation is also easing slightly in the goalkeeping position. Manuel Neuer is expected to return after the international break, while Jonas Urbig recently had to leave the national team prematurely due to a minor capsule injury. However, this was probably just a precautionary measure. Overall, the course remains clear: take it easy in order to prevent further absences.