Good news from the Bayern Campus: Wisdom Mike has returned from his months-long injury layoff. The 17-year-old made his comeback with the amateur team on Saturday. However, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the talented forward in the new season.
Mike had to wait nearly five months for this moment. In March, the youngster suffered a persistent hip muscle injury that sidelined him for the rest of last season.
The moment finally arrived during the Bayern amateurs’ 1-1 draw against Schweinfurt in the Regionalliga. Mike came on as a substitute in the 75th minute, marking his first competitive playing time since his injury.
Signs that his comeback was imminent had already become apparent during preseason. At the first team’s short training camp at Tegernsee, the forward was able to fully participate in team training again.
Kompany deliberately left Mike out of the Asia tour
Nevertheless, Mike did not join the team on the subsequent trip to Asia. In consultation with Vincent Kompany, the youngster remained in Munich to focus on building his fitness and avoid taking any unnecessary risks after the long break.
His first minutes of playing time with the amateurs are therefore the next important step. Now, Mike’s workload is likely to be gradually increased.
The 17-year-old remains one of the most promising talents at the Bayern Campus. Last season, he was already allowed to train regularly with the first team and was included in Kompany’s squad on several occasions.
A loan remains an option
However, it has not yet been decided whether Mike will actually get his chance with Bayern’s first team this season. Competition in the offense is fierce. At the same time, after his long injury layoff, the youngster needs regular playing time above all else.
According to Sky, there are therefore several clubs in Germany and abroad that would like to sign Mike on loan. A loan, therefore, remains a serious option for Bayern.
Club officials remain convinced of his potential. The decisive factor, therefore, is likely to be which path offers Mike the best opportunities for development. If he stands to gain significantly more playing time at a higher level with another club, a loan could be the most sensible solution for everyone involved.
For now, however, the focus is on his full return. With his comeback against Schweinfurt, Mike has taken the most important step toward that goal after five difficult months.