Injury update: Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez out indefinitely

Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez suffered a thigh injury in his squad’s 3-3 draw versus RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday that could keep him sidelined for a while.

When the veteran, defensive-minded midfielder let the pitch, the squad’s back-line stability went to the wayside without a deep-sitting midfielder to offer constant support. Regardless, Hansi Flick will have to get used to being without Martinez as the 32-year-old is likely finished for the rest of the calendar year.

Per a release from FCBayern.com:

FC Bayern will be without Javi Martínez for the foreseeable future. The Spain international suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh in the Bundesliga top-of-the-table clash against RB Leipzig on Saturday evening. The diagnosis was confirmed after an examination by the German record champions’ medical unit.

The timing is really unfortunate for Martinez, who is likely playing his last campaign with Bayern Munich. The veteran midfielder has been a reliable presence when called upon this season. In Martinez’s absence — and with Joshua Kimmich still sidelined — Flick will have to weigh his options to pair up with Leon Goretzka.

Corentin Tolisso is still working his own way back from an injury, while youngster Jamal Musiala is more of a forward-thinking threat than a deep-lying midfield presence. Should Flick opt to go with a more offensive player, Tolisso (if healthy) or Musiala will likely be the selection.

Should Flick decide to add more defensive stability, he could turn to Marc Roca, Tanguy Nianzou, David Alaba, or Angelo Stiller.