Kimmich injures right knee in collision with Erling Haaland in the Klassiker

Ominous news for Bayern Munich: thirty-five minutes into Bayern Munich’s marquee match against Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich injured his right knee in a collision with Erling Haaland. Kimmich received a yellow card on the play, as he injured himself while fouling Haaland, who nonetheless recovered and broke away with the ball.

Kimmich was bowled over by the massive Norwegian goal-scorer and remained on the ground as the game proceeded. After the whistle, he could clearly be seen grimacing in pain as teammates gathered around. Haaland himself also came up to wish Kimmich well before he was helped off the pitch, still in pain.

He was replaced immediately by French teammate Corentin Tolisso.

The loss of Kimmich would be a major blow to Bayern Munich. He has established himself as one of the most important and consistent players on the team.

It will be Germany, however, that will feel his lost first: after the Klassiker, the November international break arrives. Germany is set to play a friendly against the Czech Republic on November 11 and then two important Nations League matches against Ukraine on November 14 and Spain on November 17.

Germany is already struggling with poor defensive performances, while Jogi Löw refuses to reconsider cutting Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. Now Germany will also be without its critical defensive midfielder, as Kimmich does the vast majority of the defensive work alongside Toni Kroos.

From TZ’s Manuel Bonke: Kimmich is still being examined in the catacombs of the stadium. No diagnosis yet.

Tobi Altschäffl reports a new insight on Kimmich’s injury. A LCL is suspected; however, it’s not clear yet if it is torn.