Bayern Munich made it two wins out of two in the Club World Cup with a gritty 2-1 victory against Boca Juniors on Friday. The Argentine club fought well against Bayern, but goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise ensured that Die Roten picked up all three points.
There was a lot to like from Bayern’s performance on Friday evening, but the biggest negative from the game was the injury to Jamal Musiala. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder came on for Die Roten in the second half. However, his stay on the pitch was short-lived, as he was substituted in the 82nd minute due to injury.
The Bavarian faithful were concerned to see their star forward getting injured after spending the last two months on the sidelines due to a serious injury. However, the fear of fans has been squashed by the reports coming out from the USA.
According to Sky Sports journalist Kerry Hau, Musiala has not suffered a serious injury. The decision to substitute Musiala was more of a precautionary measure rather than a cause for concern. Musiala is expected to train with the squad on Sunday. He will be available for the final group game against Benfica on June 24.
Vincent Kompany has been careful with the integration of Musiala into the starting XI since returning from a serious injury. Bayern need him fit for the knockout games, which has prompted Kompany to manage his minutes from the bench. The Belgian coach has adopted a similar approach for Dayot Upamecano since the French defender is also returning after a two-month layoff due to a knee injury.
Kim Min-jae unlikely to play in the Club World Cup
Despite staying with the squad for the Club World Cup, Kim Min-jae is unlikely to play a part in the tournament. The South Korean defender has been training individually since he is still facing pain due to Achilles tendon problems.
With Upamecano close to gaining full fitness and Jonathan Tah already part of the squad, Bayern will not rush Kim Min-jae back to action. The South Korean may end up training with the squad later in the July, but his participation in the competition looks unlikely.
Bayern also have to make sure Kim Min-jae recovers completely since there is a significant chance of him leaving the club this summer. There is concrete interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Nassr in the former Napoli center-back.