Injury worries for Bayern again as Leon Goretzka wobbles off in Freiburg win

Goretzka picked up the strain in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Freiburg, which sent the league leaders six points clear.

Scans carried out on Sunday confirmed the 29-year-old’s injury.

The Germany international had fallen behind Joao Palhinha and Aleksandar Pavlovic in the pecking order early this season amid reports he was set to leave the club.

In recent weeks, however, the 57-time Germany player has taken advantage of injuries to Palhinha and Pavlovic to cement his place in the starting XI.

Goretzka joins Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano on Bayern’s growing injury list. Japan center-back Hiroki Ito has not played for the club since joining in the summer after foot surgery.

As soon as Bayern Munich’s injured players return, others get hurt. That seems to be the cycle at Bayern, and it shows no sign of stopping.

 Following Josip Stanišić’s return to the bench in the Champions League in midweek, Alphonso Davies was hurt and faces a recovery period of up to two months. 

Stanišić then gets to make his comeback over the weekend, but only to replace an injured Leon Goretzka.

The positive signs are there for manager Vincent Kompany. Stanisic and Joao Palhinha’s return will further ease the Belgian’s worries in the middle, giving Goretzka enough time to rest properly.

After a shocking defeat in Europe, Saturday’s victory was vital for the Bavarians. Kompany’s men had to grind out a win to secure all three points. 

Despite their midweek loss, Kompany added that his players were committed to the season’s goal of winning titles.

“Coming from a game like that during the week, I’m happy with how the boys have responded. Yes, I’m happy with tonight’s win,” he said.

Bayern top the Bundesliga with 48 points, with defending champions Bayer Leverkusen six points adrift in second place.