Joshua Kimmich describes João Palhinha’s fresh injury concern as “bitter” for Bayern Munich

Germany was ever so close to ending 2024 on an ultimate high note with a 1-0 win, but a late, late penalty from Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai spoiled the party at the Puskas Arena in Budapest and Julian Nagelsmann was forced to sign off the calendar year with a draw. Felix Nmecha’s debut and first goal for his country would have been the fairytale headline to secure a win, but Szoboszlai’s cheeky panenka penalty had other ideas in the nineth minute of stoppage time. Germany still finished in the top spot of UEFA Nations League Group 3 of League A and each of Bayern Munich ’s stars — Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané — came away unscathed from the last international break of the year.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all of the Bayern internationals, though, as Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha during a training session with Portugal in preparation for their Nations League matches against Poland and Croatia. To literally add insult to injury, Bayern’s club doctors confirmed his adductor problem is worse than initially feared. After Germany’s draw with Hungary, Kimmich was asked about the injury blow for his midfield partner for Bayern, to which he replied it being a “bitter” turn of events.

“It’s extremely bitter for João and for us. He’s stabilized in the past few games. He was an important factor in us winning the past few games,” he told Sport Bild’s Tobi Altschäffl (via @iMiaSanMia ).

Vincent Kompany will now have to find a solution in midfield for someone to play alongside Kimmich. Palhinha had been the one filling in for the injured Aleksandar Pavlović, but until he is back fully fit, Kompany will need to look elsewhere, whether that means he will change the formation of the team entirely, or just slot one of Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer or Raphaël Guerreiro right in next to Kimmich in the center of midfield. There are options, but Pavlović has thankfully been making excellent time in his injury recovery back at Säbener Straße.

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