FC Bayern and its defense remain the big issue. After an MRI examination at the training camp, it is clear that Matthijs de Ligt will have to take a break for the time being
On Tuesday evening, FC Bayern Munich announced that Matthijs de Ligt had suffered a capsule injury to his left knee during the training camp in Faro, Portugal. This was the result of an MRI examination by Bayern’s medical department on site. The club did not reveal how long the break is likely to last. It was merely stated that the central defender would have to take a break from training, but that he was not seriously injured. It is not the first break for the Dutchman, as he has already missed a few games due to a torn inner ligament in his knee.
The plight of the record champions’ defense thus continues into the new year. Dayot Upamecano also had to sit out with a slight injury, but is expected back on the pitch on Wednesday. The situation is different for new signing Eric Dier, who left the training camp on Tuesday afternoon to attend the birth of his first child
South Korean Min-Jae Kim is currently missing because he is away at the Asian Cup and Noussair Mazraoui is at the Africa Cup with Morocco. This is certainly far from ideal for coach Thomas Tuchel, but as he has already had to experiment with his defense several times in the first half of the season, it is not particularly unusual. Tuchel must have found a functioning defensive line for the game against Werder Bremen (3.30pm) by Sunday.
However, Nordi Mukiele may soon be another new addition to the defense. Bayern would like to loan the former Leipzig man from Paris Saint Germain.
