Revealed: Bayern Munich stalwart Joshua Kimmich’s injury comeback plan

In a recent report, German outlet Sport Bild outlined Bayern Munich midfield machine Joshua Kimmich’s recovery plans from his recent injury. The German suffered his first major knock since 2015, a meniscus tear in his right knee during Bayern Munich’ thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

Kimmich was taken-off at the 36th minute during the match and underwent successful surgery to his meniscus on Sunday. Now, Sport Bild envisions that the 25-year old will make his comeback by the end of January 2021:

Currently on crutches, Die Roten’s number “six” could begin his rehabilitation program on the “AlterG treadmill” as early as the beginning of December. AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is a special training equipment in which athletes can jog with a reduced body weight. The reduced load will put less strain on the recovering knee and the workout will help Kimmich regain the lost muscle mass.

The next step in his recovery program is to take part in intense running units without any aid from technical instruments. The midfielder is allegedly aiming to return to running sessions by the end of December.

In the final stage, Kimmich could hit the ground running at the start of the new year. He will return to training with the ball at his feet and subsequently, with the first team. Given the nature of his injury and its healing process, Sport Bild estimates that a comeback to action at the end of January is more realistic than at the beginning of the month.

Photo by Martin Meissner - Pool/Getty Images

It now remains to be seen how head coach Hansi Flick copes with Kimmich’s absence. Javi Martinez, Corentin Tolisso and Marc Roca are three possible options to fill that hole alongside Leon Goretzka.

Alternatively, Flick can go full-Pep Guardiola and experiment with two strikers as well as wingers in front of a Goretzka-Thomas Muller tandem. Choupo SZN!