Bayern Munich have suffered a huge injury blow, with new signing Hiroki Ito suffering a metatarsal fracture during Sunday's friendly match against 1. FC Düren.
Hiroki Ito played from the start as Bayern Munich faced 1. FC Düren in a pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon. However, the Japanese international picked up an injury in the first-half and had to be subbed off. Bayern have now revealed that Ito has sustained a metatarsal fracture and will be sidelined for several weeks.
"It's obviously a very bitter blow. We'll give Hiroki the best support so that he's back fully fit on the pitch as soon as possible," Max Eberl said reacting to the news of the injury.
Ito joined Bayern Munich from VfB Stuttgart earlier this summer for a fee of around 30 million euros. The 25 year old enjoyed an excellent campaign with the Swabians last season, and helped them finish second in the Bundesliga standings. His performances prompted Bayern to sign him, but now he faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
Ito's injury is a huge blow for Bayern Munich and their preparations for the new season. The injury is also a bitter setback for the defender, who was expected to play a key role for Vincent Kompany's side this season.
Bayern will now almost certainly sign a new center-back, with Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen reportedly their prefered target. Matthijs de Ligt is still expected to leave the club, with Manchester United keen on his signature.
Ito's injury occured during the first-half of Bayern Munich's 1-1 draw against Regionalliga side 1. FC Düren. The Bavarians needed a second-half equaliser from Nestory Irankunda to rescue a draw.