Kingsley Coman finds out where the shoe pinches: tendon irritation

Kingsley Coman’s surprising absence in Bayern’s 3:0 win over Ausgburg forced Juan Bernat to make his comeback from injury at left wing. All went well for Bayern Munich, but now the reason for Coman’s mystery injury has emerged: a pair of new cleats has given the fleet-footed winger a case of tendon irritation in his left foot.

According to kicker (via TZ), the injury occurred while Coman was on international duty with the French national team. The Équipe Tricolore has a contract with a shoe supplier, according to which the French national players’ cleats have to be replaced every three months. The deadline for Coman came up during the past break. The injury was likely caused by the new cleats, which he had not yet broken in.

Coman was able to participate in the concluding practice before the Augsburg game, but since being struck from the roster on Saturday he has only been able to complete stabilization exercises. He is now also doubtful for Bayern’s upcoming clash with Anderlecht in Brussels on Wednesday. The decision whether he can play will be made on Tuesday.