Joshua Kimmich is back – and not just on the pitch, but also physically at a level that gives him confidence. In FC Bayern’s 2-0 win over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the midfielder took to the pitch from the start for the first time this year. After weeks of caution and several missed games, it was an important signal – for himself and for the German record champions
The background is well known: Kimmich had been plagued by persistent ankle problems since November 2025. The complaints made a break unavoidable, and the 30-year-old had to sit out several games at the start of the new year due to injury. All the more reason to listen closely after the Champions League game when Kimmich spoke about his current physical condition in the mixed zone
Getting back into rhythm step by step
Kimmich made it clear that the strain of the past few months has not left him unscathed. „The time at the back last year was a bit tough,“ the Bayern professional explained openly. Especially in a phase with high match load, the ankle made itself felt again and again
However, it was crucial to pull the ripcord in time and the break at the turn of the year gave the body the necessary rest. „The doctors and physios did a good job,“ emphasized Kimmich, referring to the FC Bayern medical team, who carefully rebuilt him
The midfield engine did not return overnight, but rather in deliberate doses. The focus was on individual sessions, reduced playing time and targeted regeneration. The goal was clear: not a quick comeback at any price, but sustainable resilience
Starting eleven debut as an important signal
The match against Union Saint-Gilloise marked another milestone: for the first time this year, Kimmich was allowed to start again – a vote of confidence from the coaching team and a clear sign that his body can handle the strain again
„It’s definitely getting better, slowly now,“ said Kimmich after the game. The pain that had accompanied him for weeks is increasingly receding into the background, which is particularly important for him. „We’re now getting into the pain-free zone,“ said the international
This development is of great importance for FC Bayern. Kimmich is not only a key factor in sporting terms, but is also hard to replace tactically and mentally. His return comes at the right time, especially with a view to the crucial weeks in the Bundesliga and Champions League
Even if Kimmich is not yet at 100 per cent, his debut in the starting eleven shows that he is on the right track. After a long phase of patience and caution, the leading player seems ready to take on responsibility again – physically more stable and with renewed confidence in his own body.