Hiroki Ito is back – and at FC Bayern his return feels like a transfer in the middle of the season.
After eight months out through injury, the Japanese celebrated his long-awaited comeback in the 6-2 win over SC Freiburg: He came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute and set up Michael Olise’s goal to make the final score. Sporting director Christoph Freund had already raved about Ito on Sky before the game – and clearly showed how relieved he was at Säbener Straße.
„He feels a bit like a new signing. It was an unfortunate time for him and everyone involved. After the first few training sessions, he’s come back really well. He’s beaming. He can do what he loves most again: play soccer. He’s really fit. We were also careful throughout the whole process. It happened three times. We’re convinced that this chapter is now behind him,“ said Freund.
Freund continued: „He will help the team with his style of play. He is left-footed, a centre-back and can also play as a left-back. He is a really good footballer and we are happy that he is back. He will be an important pillar for us in the coming months.“
Hiroki Ito’s return comes at the right time
Ito suffered his third metatarsal fracture in March and had to sit out for months while the defensive line had to regroup again and again. His return therefore comes at exactly the right time: the workload is increasing, the squad width is becoming more important – and Kompany can now rely on another player for the defense.
Alphonso Davies is also continuing to work on his comeback following his cruciate ligament rupture and could return to the pitch before the end of the calendar year. If all the other defenders stay healthy, Munich would have a much broader back line.