Ever since that international break where Julian Nagelsmann started Joshua Kimmich against Slovakia, Bayern Munich fans have suspected that the Germany captain is not fully fit. Now, it seems that the minutes
have caught up with Josh, because he was unable to complete team training this week.
According to a report by Bild (via @iMiaSanMia) Kimmich did not fully participate in training due to ankle problems — possibly the same ankle problems related to the injury he got while on international duty. He is likely to start on the bench vs Heidenheim, meaning he could miss FC Bayern’s last game of the calendar year.
Kimmich, who always wants to be on the pitch regardless of fitness, will not be happy about this. However, fans have long noted the decline in his performances following the international break, especially that woeful performance vs Arsenal. At 30 years old, Kimmich can no longer play through knocks the way he did when he was younger — some rest might do him good.
So, who will take Kimmich’s place in the lineup? Most likely Leon Goretzka — unless Vincent Kompany decides to try the untested Pavlović-Bischof pairing for a change. With Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito both fit, Kompany has the option to move Bischof back to midfield. Of course, simply having the option doesn’t mean the coach will take it, he could go with what he knows.
So, Goretzka it is then. Yay. Everyone cheer. The winter break can’t come soon enough.
