Bad news for FC Bayern: Luis Díaz has suffered a torn muscle and will be sidelined for the time being. The Colombian had to leave the field injured during the Champions League match against Arsenal. It is now clear that the injury will keep him out of action.
In Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Díaz had initially started on the bench. The winger was already carrying an injury before the match and was therefore not in the starting lineup. Instead, Alphonso Davies started on the left wing—and scored the equalizer for Bayern in the 35th minute.
In the 68th minute, Vincent Kompany finally brought Díaz on for Ismael Saibari. However, the Colombian’s time on the field was short-lived: Shortly before the end, the 29-year-old signaled that he was in pain again and had to be substituted once more in the 90th minute. Youngster Bara Sapoko Ndiaye came on in his place.
Sports director Max Eberl explained after the game that Díaz had already been experiencing muscle problems before kickoff. “We didn’t want to take any risks,” said the Bayern boss, referring to the second substitution.
Duration of absence still unknown
The muscle tear is a setback for the attacking player, who had shone just a few days earlier with three goals in the 6-1 win over RB Leipzig. Díaz had apparently already been feeling muscle discomfort during that match. Nevertheless, he was determined to play against Arsenal.
It remains to be seen how long the 29-year-old will be sidelined. A minor muscle tear typically results in a total recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks before the muscle is fully ready for athletic activity again.
Although this is the milder form of this structural injury, unlike a muscle fiber tear, entire bundles of fibers are torn, requiring a biological healing and remodeling phase lasting several weeks.
For Bayern, the injury comes at an inopportune time: With Jamal Musiala already sidelined, the team is without yet another offensive player. In the upcoming Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg, Kompany may therefore once again turn to Alphonso Davies as an option on the left side of the attack.