Bayern Munich endure mixed fortune with injured center-backs

Bayern Munich have been short on numbers in central defense since the start of the season. Hiroki Ito was brought from VfB Stuttgart to add depth and quality in central defense, but he broke his foot during pre-season. The Japanese had stepped up the recovery process last week but suffered a setback on Monday.

According to AZ, Hiroki Ito pulled his hamstring during a running exercise at Sabner Strasse on Monday. The Japanese immediately stopped training and went indoors to undergo further medical tests to know the extent of injury to his hamstring. Ito was targeting a competitive debut for Bayern Munich by the end of October.

It will be a big blow for Die Roten since Ito can provide depth in two defensive positions- left-back and center-back. He was one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga last season, helping VfB Stuttgart to finish second in the points table.

Bayern and Vincent Kompany will hope that the hamstring issue for Ito is not serious. With games coming thick and fast, the Belgian coach needs numbers in all positions across the pitch. From Ito’s perspective, it is frustrating development as the wait for Bayern debut goes on for him.

Dayot Upamecano resumes training on pitch

Meanwhile, Dayot Upamecano looks likely to be ready for the clash against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. The French defender had suffered a minor injury during the 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt before the international break. He was ruled out for both Nations League games for France.

Upamecano was spotted running on the pitch at Sabner Strasse on Monday. The French defender also trained with the ball, which suggests he may have made a swift recovery from a minor injury. If he continues to train well in the next couple of days, Upamecano could be in the team training before the clash against Stuttgart.

Vincent Kompany has heavily relied on Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano in central defense this season. The two central defenders have been far from perfect, but they are currently Bayern’s best defensive partnership. Ito’s return would have given one more option to Kompany in central defense.

Eric Dier is certainly out of favour under Kompany. The English defender has struggled to get game time this season despite excelling under Thomas Tuchel at the end of last season. Dier’s contract at Bayern expires next summer. In all likelihood, the former Spurs defender will leave Bavaria next summer. Bayern need at least one more quality center-back to cover all bases in central defense.