Bayern Munich secured their second consecutive win in the Club World Cup, defeating Boca Juniors 2-1 on Friday. Despite a spirited effort from the Argentine side, goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise clinched the victory for the Bavarians.
Bayern’s performance was impressive, but concerns arose when Jamal Musiala, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, was substituted in the 82nd minute due to an injury.
Having recently returned from a two-month absence, Musiala’s exit sparked worry among fans. However, reports from the USA indicate the substitution was precautionary, and Musiala is expected to resume training on Sunday, making him available for Bayern’s final group stage match against Benfica on June 24.
Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s coach, has been cautious with Musiala’s reintegration into the starting lineup, managing his minutes from the bench to ensure his fitness for the knockout stages. A similar approach has been taken with Dayot Upamecano, who is nearing full fitness after a two-month knee injury layoff.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae is unlikely to feature in the Club World Cup. The South Korean defender, still dealing with Achilles tendon pain, has been training individually.
With Upamecano close to full recovery and Jonathan Tah available, Bayern are prioritizing Kim’s long-term health, especially amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Nassr, which could see him depart this summer.
Bayern’s careful management of their squad reflects their ambition to maintain a strong lineup for the tournament’s critical stages.
The team’s depth, bolstered by players like Tah and the returning Upamecano, ensures they remain competitive, even without Kim. As the Club World Cup progresses,
Bayern will aim to balance player recovery with their pursuit of the title, leveraging their attacking prowess led by Kane and Olise to navigate the challenges ahead.
