Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is set to be on sidelines for a long time after suffering injury against Hoffenheim.
The Bavarians kicked off their Bundesliga campaign on Friday, clinching a hard fought 3-1 victory over Julian Nagelsmann’s Hoffenheim. Despite the win, Bayern Munich were on the receiving end of a pretty significant loss as well. Kingsley Coman injured his ankle in the first half, which eventually ended his game. The Frenchman is likely to be out for a long time.
Bayern Munich issued a statement after the game about the details of this injury. Coman will undergo surgery after rupturing a ligament above his left ankle. Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the media that the young winger will have his surgery on Sunday. The exact recovery period for this injury is yet to be revealed by the club.
Coman suffered the same injury in February, however, and took over three months to completely recover. Coman lost his place in the World Cup winning France squad, as he was not match fit by that time.
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After an impressive preseason, Coman was set for a big season with Bayern Munich. In the first half against Hoffenheim, he was Bayern’s most dangerous attacking player. He was also one of Bayern’s most impressive players in the DFL Supercup, despite coming on in the second half.
Coman’s injury is a massive blow for Bayern, as they will have to rely on the aging Robbery for a good chunk of the season. The veteran duo are far past their prime and likely in their last season at the club.
Serge Gnabry will also take some of the load in Coman’s absence, but is currently injured himself. Thomas Muller is likely to share the burden of playing on the flanks with these three wide players, despite being more effective in a central position.
Bayern Munich are unlikely to press the panic button and look for Coman’s replacement in the market. The Bavarians will look to improve their attack next summer when Robbery will leave the club. Alphonso Davies will join Bayern Munich in January, and will immediately join the first team, adding more depth to the squad.
Kovac might be forced to use a three-man backline with Coman now injured. Playing three central defenders with accompanying wingbacks will alleviate the pressure off Bayern’s wingers. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will provide the width in this formation.
Bayern Munich missed Coman badly in last season’s knockout games of Champions League. The German giants will be hoping that Coman will recover by the time these games arrive this season.