The last nine months have been frustrating for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka. The German midfielder has endured rotten luck with injuries, which has eventually affected his performances. There is finally light at the end of the tunnel for Goretzka as he nears complete fitness.
Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on Tuesday that Leon Goretzka would be travelling with the squad to face Viktoria Koln in DFB Pokal. The German midfielder has been training with the first team this week after starting the recovery process on the pitch earlier this month.
Goretzka was ruled out for the start of the season after he suffered a knee injury just before the start of the pre-season tour. The German international stayed back in Munich and underwent surgery to rectify the issue. Leon Goretzka has been effectively out of action for six weeks due to a recent knee injury.
While talking to Bayern’s in-house media this week, Goretzka confirmed that he is completely ready to start his season after an intensive rehabilitation process. The German midfielder is confident about playing a part in the DFB Pokal clash against Viktoria Koln on Wednesday.
"“It was an intensive rehab, I worked a lot. But I feel really fit now, I took the chance from day one and saw it as a preparation.”“I’m ready, the rest is of course up to the coach. But if everything goes well, I’ll be back tomorrow.”"
The German international may not start against Koln, but he can certainly look forward to playing 15-20 minutes from the bench. Die Roten needs to ease him back into action to make sure that there is no relapse in injury. Considering the hectic schedule this season, Bayern cannot afford to lose Goretzka for weeks.
Goretzka has been a mainstay in the midfield of Bayern during the last couple of seasons. He has formed a solid partnership with Joshua Kimmich in the center of the park. For the time being, Goretzka may have to work hard to win his place back in the XI due to the form of Marcel Sabitzer.
Sabitzer and Kimmich have started all five competitive games this season. The midfield duo has done a solid job of providing the ideal platform for the front four to thrive in the final third. Nagelsmann will be reluctant to break up this partnership, for now, so Goretzka may have to be patient for his first start of the season.
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Apart from Goretzka, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is also set to travel with the squad on Wednesday. The Cameroon striker has missed the start of the Bundesliga campaign due to injury. He will have a big role to play this season since he is the only recognized senior natural number nine in the squad.