Ismael Saibari suffered a serious injury during FC Bayern’s 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund in Saturday night’s top Bundesliga match. How can Bayern make up for his absence?
While a final diagnosis has not yet been made for Michael Olise—who was also substituted against BVB—the situation is clear for both Saibari and Serge Gnabry.
Gnabry will be sidelined for an extended period due to a muscle injury. He could be out for four to six weeks. Saibari’s injury is even more serious. He suffered a torn syndesmotic ligament and has already undergone successful surgery.
Saibari’s injury is a shock for FC Bayern
As both BILD and Sky report, the record champions expect him to be sidelined for at least three months. However, this estimate could still change, as many factors play a role during the healing process. A layoff of more than three months is not unlikely, while a shorter recovery period is unrealistic.
Saibari was injured in a tackle with Gregor Kobel. Even during the game, it was clear to see his ankle buckle. The Moroccan was only able to leave the stadium on crutches.
The injury comes at the worst possible time, as Jamal Musiala is still in rehab. It will also be a few more weeks before Luis Díaz can play again. And with Gnabry also sidelined, only Harry Kane and Lennart Karl remain as fit players in the offense for now, as long as there’s still no clarity regarding Olise.
The personnel puzzle for Kompany’s replacement, Aaron Danks, is thus becoming even bigger and more complicated. Individual absences can be managed, but the sheer number of them makes it complicated because other players in different positions will then have to shoulder a heavier workload.
But what can Bayern do now? Alphonso Davies has already shown in recent games that he can play further up the field. Karl is an option both on the right wing and in the playmaker role. Nathaniel Brown can also operate in the attacking third.
It’s particularly disappointing that Maycon Cardozo—who made his senior debut last season and is considered a promising prospect—is currently recovering from a shoulder injury. One option still available is Tom Bischof. He is certainly capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or in the playmaker role, and at his former club, Hoffenheim, he was at times clearly deployed in a more attacking role.
So there are possibilities, but it’s also clear that the situation is anything but good.