Bayern Munich have been dealt another injury blow with midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured eye socket in training. The German champions confirmed the setback on Saturday, revealing that the 21-year-old Germany international has already undergone successful surgery. However, the club did not give any details on how long he will be out of action, leaving doubts over his availability for the start of the new season.
Pavlovic’s absence adds to Bayern’s growing list of injured key players. Playmaker Jamal Musiala is recovering from a fractured fibula as well as a broken and dislocated ankle suffered during the Club World Cup last month. In addition, left-back Alphonso Davies faces a lengthy rehabilitation after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. The absence of such important names is a major concern for coach Vincent Kompany as he prepares for the campaign ahead.
Bayern’s first competitive test of the season comes on August 16 when they face VfB Stuttgart in the German Super Cup final. Just six days later, they will begin the defence of their Bundesliga crown with a challenging home fixture against RB Leipzig. The club will be hoping for positive news from the treatment room in the coming weeks as they aim to make a strong start to the season despite their injury setbacks.