:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67643677/1277668097.jpg.0.jpg)
Per a report from Bild, Bayern Munich will be without starting midfielder Joshua Kimmich for its Bundesliga match against Arminia Bielefeld. The 25-year-old starter will be out of action as his partner Lina is expected to give birth to the couple’s second child.
Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick will clearly have to adjust his plans based on the news:
Joshua Kimmich did not travel with the team to Bielefeld for tomorrow's game. His partner Lina is expecting their second child [Bild]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 16, 2020
With Kimmich out, Flick will likely look to Corentin Tolisso to partner up with Leon Goretzka to form the squad’s double-pivot. If Flick opts for an alternative, both Javi Martinez and Marc Roca had solid performances in the DFB-Pokal against FC Düren.
While not ideal, Flick has plenty of depth within his midfield group to help compensate for the loss of Kimmich. A mini-paternity leave also might not be so bad for Kimmich, either. Kimmich is notorious for his desire to stay on the pitch for a full 90 minutes and also for wanting to start every game. That, of coure, leads to A LOT of extra mileage over the course of the season.
Good luck to Josh and Lina!