Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso recently opened up on his recovery process, having suffered an ACL tear in September.
Bayern Munich have endured a hard time on the injury front in the past few seasons. There have been various managerial changes over the last five years, but serious injuries have remained a constant. This season has been no different, as Bayern lost a few players to big injuries at the start of the season.
Corentin Tolisso is one player who has hardly been in action this season. The World Cup winner ruptured his ACL against Bayer Leverkusen in September, his first start of the season. Tolisso was expected to be out for the remainder of the season due to the severity of the injury. However, in an interview with Bild, Tolisso gave a positive update on his recovery and even gave an approximate guess on when he will return to the pitch.
"“I work hard every day to be back with the team. That drives me. I am in the mood to be in the square again with my colleagues, to show what I can do. That’s my big goal, that’s what drives me. I want to show what I can do and help the team.“I think it is realistic that I will return to the pitch and the team in March.”"
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Tolisso traveled with the Bayern squad to the winter camp in Doha earlier this month. The Frenchman has started jogging and putting weight on his foot during this camp.
The former Lyon midfielder still has a long way to go in his rehabilitation, but the signs are promising. The Bavarians need to remain cautious about his return, though, as they cannot afford a relapse which would keep him out for even longer.
The French international became the most expensive signing for Bayern last summer. He enjoyed a decent debut campaign, scoring nine goals and assisting six more across all competitions. He was expected to get even better this season, having just won a World Cup after a whole season growing accustomed to the Bundesliga.
Tolisso is unlikely to be fit for Bayern’s game against Liverpool at the Allianz Arena in March. The Frenchman could be an important player for Bayern in next round, though, if they beat Liverpool in the round of 16.
His knack of scoring goals from midfield provides a different dimension to Die Roten’s overall attack. It will be interesting to see how Bayern ease him into starting lineup, as Niko Kovac has finally found a settled combination in midfield.
Bayern Munich received a major boost during the winter break, as James Rodriguez rejoined first team training. The Colombian will play a key role for Bayern against Liverpool as Thomas Muller will sit out of the tie due to suspension. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery still remain on the sidelines, as they are recovering from minor injuries as well. Kovac will be hoping that his squad suffers no serious injuries in the upcoming second half of the season so they have plenty of depth to succeed in all competitions.