FC Bayern will continue to be without Joshua Kimmich. The 31-year-old has been absent from the German record champions for more than a week due to a death in the family. It remains unclear when the midfielder will return to the field. Ahead of the DFB Cup match against 1. FC Magdeburg, however, sporting director Max Eberl has now expressed hope for a speedy return.
Kimmich was also unavailable for the Munich side during their decisive 6-1 victory over the second-division team. It was already the third competitive match in a row that the German national team player had missed.
Previously, the key player had already missed the Champions League match against Arsenal as well as the Bundesliga away game against SC Freiburg.
With the upcoming Bundesliga classic against Borussia Dortmund on the horizon, the question now is whether Kimmich could be back in the squad on Saturday.
“I believe and hope that will be the case soon.”
Ahead of the cup match against Magdeburg, Eberl was asked about the midfielder’s situation in an interview with ARD. Bayern’s sporting director made it clear that the decision regarding a return rests solely with Kimmich himself. “If Jo feels like he can clear his head again, then he’s always welcome,” explained the 53-year-old.
In doing so, Eberl underscored that FC Bayern is giving its star player the time he needs to recover from this personal tragedy.
At the same time, the sporting director expressed cautious optimism that Kimmich could rejoin the team soon. “I believe and hope that will happen soon,” Eberl said.
However, the Bayern boss did not specify a concrete date for the 31-year-old’s return.
Kimmich’s Return Against Dortmund Possible
For FC Bayern, a comeback by the midfielder ahead of the Bundesliga classic against Borussia Dortmund would undoubtedly be a significant boost. His experience is particularly important for the German record champions in big games.
Whether the national team player will actually be available again on Saturday against BVB remains to be seen, however.
Eberl’s comments at least suggest that Bayern are hoping for a return soon. However, there is no firm commitment that he will play against Dortmund.
The Munich team has shown in recent matches that they can be successful even without Kimmich. Following the 6-1 victory over Magdeburg, however, a significantly greater challenge now lies ahead.
One thing is certain: Kimmich will receive all the time he needs from the club. Only when the 31-year-old feels ready will his return to the soccer field be on the table.