Joshua Kimmich nears comeback as Bayern Munich eye showdown with Bayer Leverkusen
- Rob Fleming
- 5 February 2024
Bayern Munich's midfield maestro Joshua Kimmich took a significant step towards recovery from his left shoulder injury as he returned to training with the ball on Monday.
According to BILD, he was joined by teammate Dayot Upamcano, 25, who is recovering from a muscle fibre tear, Kimmich's return raises hopes for his presence in the upcoming clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
With the match slated for Saturday, anticipation mounts as Bayern, trailing by two points, aim to topple Leverkusen in the Bundesliga title race. The 28-year-old Kimmich's potential return could be pivotal for Bayern's aspiration to reclaim the top spot in the league table.
The German international had resumed running exercises on Friday after a period of rest to nurse his shoulder injury sustained during the match against Union Berlin. Despite concerns over aggravating the injury, Kimmich's return to ball work on Monday showcased no signs of setbacks, alleviating fears of a prolonged absence.
However, caution looms as Kimmich's shoulder ligament injury remains a concern. Any untoward fall could exacerbate the injury, potentially necessitating surgery and extending his time on the sidelines by another month.
Bayern's coaching staff, led by Thomas Tuchel, remain cautiously optimistic about Kimmich's return, targeting the Leverkusen fixture as the milestone for his comeback. Tuchel expressed, "We will definitely give it a try with Josh. The final decision will be made midweek. We have a whole week to prepare before Saturday."
Meanwhile, star winger Serge Gnabry, 28, and young prospect Tarek Buchmann, 18, have resumed individual training sessions but are not yet in contention for the Leverkusen showdown. Their return to full fitness will be monitored closely by the coaching staff as Bayern navigate through a crucial phase in the season.
