The potential effects of the Hiroki Ito injury as Bayern Munich look for defensive solutions
By Tom Vinall
Hiroko Ito injured his foot at the weekend, and will be sidelined for a reported period 8-10 weeks. Let's take a look at what may happen as a result, and the steps Bayern might need to take to cope with his absence.
Firstly, Bayern Munich may have more incentive to keep Alphonso Davies at the club, and risk losing him on a free as he enters the final year of his contract.
Ito had been sounded out as Bayern Munich's potential first choice left-back this season, but with this injury, the Bavarians now find themselves shortchanged on the left hand side of defense. The future of Davies has been the subject of plenty of speculation, with Real Madrid interested in his signature. But with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Bayern have a big decision to make on how to proceed with the Canadian international.
Raphael Guerreiro is another left-back in the Bayern squad, but can be a liability at times defensively. The Portuguese international is also injury-prone, and cannot be relied upon to be an available, serviceable left-back over long periods of time.
Noussair Mazraoui filled in at left-back at times last season, but seems to be on his way out of the club. Manchester United are likely to sign the Moroccan international.
Adam Aznou may get more of an opportunity as a result, with the 18-year old left-back featuring in both of Bayern's pre-season friendlies so far. He is regarded very highly at the club and will surely get some opportunities in the first-team this season.
Altough Ito can play left-back, and to a high level, he was also no doubt signed to provide depth in central defense as well. This could mean that Bayern push harder for Jonathan Tah, but it would feel quite impulsive to shell out on another defender because of an injury to a current center-back.
However, not selling a defender that you otherwise would have done, is more logical. Bayern may be less reluctant to part ways with Matthijs De Ligt, at least until January, as a result of this injury.
The injury means that Kim Min-jae is almost certain to be a starter at left center-back, whether it be in a back three or a back four. Dayot Upamecano, the other candidate, is set to return from holiday soon, whilst Kim has been impressing in pre-season.
Conclusion: The biggest takeaway is that it is in Bayern's interests for Alphonso Davies to remain at the club this season, even if it risks his contract being ran down. It is also more important than ever that Raphael Guerreiro stays fit this season.