Bayern Munich defender Joshua Kimmich is out until 2022 due to a coronavirus infection in his lungs
Joshua Kimmich has not played for Bayern Munich since November 9; "I still have to be patient for a while, as I'm not yet allowed to put full weight on my body due to a little infiltration in my lungs," says the German defender.
Joshua Kimmich claims he’s “doing well,” but owing to a coronavirus-related lung condition, he won’t be able to play for Bayern Munich until next year.
The 26-year-old, who claimed he had not been vaccinated against Covid-19 in October, was found to be positive last month, and his quarantine term ended on Wednesday.
Kimmich was forced to sit out the 2-1 loss to Augsburg after coming into touch with someone who tested positive. Due to the infection, he was forced to miss triumphs over Armina Bielefeld and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, as well as victories over Dynamo Kiev and Barcelona in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich have confirmed that Kimmich will be out until the New Year as he continues his recuperation.
On Instagram, the Germany international wrote: “I’m well, and I just got out of a very long quarantine term yesterday. I’m ready to get back to work and rejoin the team.
“However, I’ll have to wait a little longer because I’m still not allowed to bear full weight on my body due to a little infiltration in my lungs.
“I’ll be watching the final three games from the couch this year, and then we’ll attack together again in January.”
Kimmich admitted to Sky Germany two months ago that he had not had his first coronavirus vaccine owing to scepticism about the absence of long-term vaccine research, but that there was a “very strong chance” he would get one.
He expressed his concern about the paucity of long-term studies. “Of course, I am well aware of my responsibilities. I take all necessary precautions and am tested every two to three days. Every one should make their own decision.”
Prior to the Bundesliga’s winter break, Kimmich will miss Julian Nagelsmann’s side’s forthcoming matches against Mainz (December 11), Stuttgart (December 14), and Wolfsburg (December 17).
ℹ️ #FCBayern will be without Joshua #Kimmich for the remainder of 2021.
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 9, 2021
Nagelsmann was diagnosed with the illness in October, but recovered completely after four games and returned to the dugout for their 5-2 triumph over Benfica in early November.
“The players who are not vaccinated understand that the risk of missing games or training sessions is significantly greater as an unvaccinated person than as a vaccinated person,” Nagelsmann said last month when asked about members of his squad not yet obtaining their vaccinations.
Bayern has six wins in a row in the Champions League and leads Dortmund by four points in the Bundesliga heading into Saturday’s match against Mainz at the Allianz Arena.
Due to reinstated Covid limitations in Germany amid a spike in infections, Bundesliga matches will be limited to 50% attendance and a maximum of 15,000 fans.
