:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61560955/1009543992.jpg.0.jpg)
Yesterday, Leon Goretzka spoke openly about his struggles while playing left back and how he left the match against FC Augsburg because of a swollen ankle. That ankle injury will now force Goretzka out of Friday’s game against Hertha Berlin.
While it does not appear to be anything serious, it is bothersome enough to keep Goretzka on the sidelines tomorrow. Niko Kovač addressed the issue at his press conference and confirmed that Bayern Munich will be calling a member of the U23 team to replace Goretzka on the match day roster.
️ Kovac on Goretzka: "His ankle is still swollen and he'll sit out of tomorrow's game. We will be taking an U23s player in his place. Otherwise, we have everyone available." #BSCFCB #Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/opWWjBY7WC
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) September 27, 2018
When pressed about who would take Goretzka’s place, Kovač indicated that it would be Jonathan Meier, an 18-year old. Standing 5’8”, Meier’s primary position is left back, but he could also swing to center back or left wing in an emergency. Hopefully, that will not be needed against Hertha Berlin.
Leon #Goretzka fällt aus gegen @HerthaBSC! #Kovac: „Leon ist umgeknickt. Er hat ein dickes Sprunggelenk. Für morgen ist er keine Alternative. Alle anderen sind fit. Wir werden einen U23-Spieler mitnehmen.“ Jonathan #Meier wird es! #Kovac: „Wir nehmen ihn mit nach Berlin.“ #BSCFCB
— BILD FC Bayern (@BILD_Bayern) September 27, 2018
Leon #Goretzka is out vs @HerthaBSC! #Kovac: “Leon sprained his ankle. He’s got a swollen ankle. He’s not an option for tomorrow. Everyone else is fit. We will take a U23 player with us: Jonathan #Meier! #Kovac: “We’re taking him with us to Berlin.” #BSCFCB