Corentin Tolisso inches closer to Bayern Munich return

MUNICH, GERMANY - JANUARY 31: Corentin Tolisso of FC Bayern Muenchen practices during a single training session at the club's Saebener Strasse training ground on January 31, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by A. Beier/Getty Images for FC Bayern)
MUNICH, GERMANY - JANUARY 31: Corentin Tolisso of FC Bayern Muenchen practices during a single training session at the club's Saebener Strasse training ground on January 31, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by A. Beier/Getty Images for FC Bayern)

Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso has finally returned to training on the pitch at Sabener Strasse after tearing his ACL over four months ago.

Corentin Tolisso has made yet another big stride toward his return to the Bayern Munich first team. The Frenchman tore his right ACL and meniscus at the beginning of the season, and he has finally returned to running on the training pitch after over four months sidelined with injury.

According to Bayern’s official website, Coco was ecstatic to take this next step in his recovery. He “spread his arms in a jubilant pose” after walking onto the training pitch and was smiling the whole time. Tolisso completed a 25-minute training session on the pitch before returning to individual training.

The France international and 2018 World Cup winner still has some way to go before he can feature in Niko Kovac’s starting lineup, but he’s on track to make a timely recovery. Hopefully, he will be able to play in Bayern’s second match against Liverpool in March, but even that may be too soon for the 24-year-old.

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Regardless of when his return is, he’ll have a tough battle ahead of him breaking his way back into the starting XI.

Thiago Alcantara has been a mainstay under Niko Kovac when fit, playing an important role from holding midfield. Leon Goretzka, meanwhile, has emerged as a standout player for the Bavarians. Renato Sanches‘ minutes have been limited, but the Portugal international has impressed when given the time.

Tolisso certainly has the ability to firmly to reestablish himself as an indispensable member of the starting XI, though. He had a great debut season in Bavaria last campaign, scoring six goals and assisting four more across 26 Bundesliga appearances. His three goals and two assists in eight Champions League matches make his numbers even more impressive for it being his first season in a new club.

The Frenchman possesses a unique skill-set, offering something different than any of the club’s other midfielders. Both Goretzka and Sanches possess some attributes similar to those at Coco’s disposal, but it’s the Frenchman’s excellent passing range that sets him apart.

Tolisso is one of the best young midfielders in the world, and it’s a shame he’s missed most of this season due to injury. If he continues his recovery at the rate it’s at now, he’ll be back on the pitch in just over a month, and Bayern Munich will be all the better for it.