Update
Inner ligament tear and long loss
Coman’s shock diagnosis for FC Bayern “extremely painful”
January 27, 2024, 8:24 p.m
The FC Bayern Munich team is slowly forming itself due to staff shortages. An incredible number of players are missing injured – and the numbers are increasing. Kingsley Coman scored in the hard-fought win against Augsburg. The Frenchman leaves the stadium on crutches, which Thomas Müller finds “like magic”.
The picture of Kingsley Coman on crutches dampened the mood at FC Bayern Munich after the turbulent victory in the neighborhood duel at FC Augsburg. The German record champions are missing their next star after the wild 3:2 (2:0), especially in the final phase. Kingsley Coman tore an inner ligament in his left knee, the Munich team announced this in the evening. The winger, who scored the winning goal in the 2020 Champions League final, will be missing “in the coming weeks”. The “Bild” wrote from eight to twelve weeks. “That’s bitter, of course,” commented sports director Christoph Freund, “but as we know Kingsley, he will come back even stronger. We wish him a speedy recovery.” Coman will most likely also be missing from the French team in the international match against Germany in Lyon on March 23rd.
“It’s a bit magical at the moment that we go out with an injured player every game,” complained veteran Thomas Müller after the French international’s early substitution. The Munich team has long been in a personnel emergency – and yet is still keeping the pressure on leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga championship race. “Those were three extremely important points,” said coach Thomas Tuchel after a spectacle influenced by several decisions by the video referee. The 50-year-old praised the attitude of his team without Joshua Kimmich, Dayot Upamecano and various other missing players.
Kimmich’s midfield substitute Aleksandar Pavlovic with his debut goal in the 23rd minute and Alphonso Davies (45th + 5) gave the newly formed team a comfortable half-time lead. In front of 30,660 spectators in the sold-out Augsburg Arena, including Max Eberl, who was considered the future Bayern sports director, Harry Kane (58th) only temporarily took the explosiveness out of an exchange of blows with his first goal of the new year and his 23rd of this Bundesliga season. The game really picked up speed again with two late penalties.
“Turbulent again”
“In the end it became turbulent again,” said Tuchel. As the winner, he and his stars can go to the traditional fan club visits tomorrow, Sunday.
Augsburg’s captain Ermedin Demirovic (52nd/90th + 4 penalty kicks) gave the home team hope for the longed-for coup against the German record champions with his ninth and tenth goals. Shortly before the end, national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (88th) parried a self-inflicted penalty from Sven Michel, but was then powerless against Demirovic. After two away defeats in a row, FC Bayern was finally able to win again against their fearful opponents Augsburg.
Tietz falls on Coman’s thigh
Bayern were missing an important passing point in midfield without Kimmich, who had a shoulder injury. This and other failures were initially clearly visible to Tuchel’s team. After taking the lead, the Munich team got into a flow of play. Unmoved by courageous Augsburg players, she took the lead. After a corner from Raphael Guerreiro, who this time was helping out as a right-back, teenager Pavlovic switched quickly in the penalty area and gave Augsburg keeper Finn Dahmen no chance. The 19-year-old was once again recommended for further chances in defensive midfield.
The celebrated goal scene ended with serious consequences for Coman. FCA attacker Phillip Tietz fell unhappily on the Frenchman’s left lower leg. Coman had to be accompanied into the cabin with the support of medical staff; he was unable to put any weight on his left leg. “We’ll check the ligaments in the knee tomorrow. I can’t speculate, but it’s extremely painful right now,” said Tuchel. The diagnosis should sober him.
Thorup on “lack of happiness”
The tour had an impact. It dampened the mood of the people of Augsburg. Leroy Sané & Co. became more and more confident in their appearance. This even led to Davies, after an opening pass from Leon Goretzka, left-footed Davies increasing with his right from a single action from 17 meters at the half-time whistle.
The Munich team were unable to switch to administration mode, but the connection fell too early after the break after a header from Demirovic. But then the video referee called in again when Kane’s score was given 3-1 because of an alleged offside position. This goal was initiated by Jamal Musiala, who was involved in almost every dangerous goal-scoring effort by FC Bayern in the second half.
Mathys Tel (81′), who came on for Coman, failed to hit the post. Thomas Müller was only allowed to take part in the final phase despite the staff shortage. His foul against Demirovic made the final minutes even more exciting. “Many 50/50 situations were not for us,” complained Augsburg coach Jess Thorup. “We lacked a bit of luck.”