Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is set to be out of action for several months after sustaining a torn cruciate ligament during the international break.
Davies, 24, suffered the injury during Canada’s 2-1 over the USA in California and is set to undergo surgery today. However, the Canadian is not Bayern’s only injury worry from the international break as centre-back Dayot Upamecano is also set for a spell on the sidelines.
In an update posted to the club’s official website, it was revealed that the French defender will be sidelined for several weeks. While away with France, the 26-year-old was diagnosed with loose bodies—meaning small bits of cartilage floating freely around— in his left knee and will be out for “several weeks.”
Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, spoke on the impact that the recent international break has had on the record German champions.
“Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of players returning from international breaks with injuries”, he said. “This time we’ve been hit particularly hard. The absence of Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano weighs heavily on FC Bayern.”
What key games will they miss?
Davies is going to miss the remainder of Bayern’s season as he is set for several months on the sidelines. However, Upamecano is likely to be back before the end of the season with him reportedly out for several weeks.
This is a major blow for the six-time European champions as they will be without the Frenchman for numerous big games. Most notably, he will likely miss the German giant’s upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan.
Additionally, he will likely miss the highly anticipated Der Klassiker match as Bayern host rivals Borussia Dortmund on the 12th of April.
How can Bayern cope in their absence?
The injuries leave a big void in Bayern’s defence as both Davies and Upamecano are key players for Vincent Kompany’s side. For Davies, this season has been frustrating as he has already had a few injury problems which have kept him out of action for eight games this season.
In his absence, Bayern may turn to former Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphaël Guerreiro. The Portuguese defender has played 26 times this season, scoring four goals.
Similarly to his teammate, Upemecano has also had a number of small injuries this season. The Frenchman has played 20 of Bayern’s 26 Bundesliga games this season, so replacing him for several weeks will be no easy feat, especially considering fellow centre-back Tarek Buchmann is also currently injured.
The Bundesliga leaders may turn to the experience of former Napoli defender Kim Min-jae to partner Eric Dier while Upemecano recovers.
Bayern’s first game without their defensive duo is on Saturday the 29th of March as they host relegation-threatened St. Pauli in the Bundesliga.