In a devastating turn of events for FC Bayern Munich, defender Hiroki Ito has suffered yet another metatarsal fracture, sidelining him for an extended period. This injury occurred during the team's narrow 3-2 victory against FC St. Pauli on Saturday, March 29, 2025, raising serious concerns about the club's defensive lineup as they head into critical matches.
Hiroki Ito, who had only recently returned from a similar injury that kept him out for nearly seven months, was substituted in the 58th minute of the match but had to leave the field again in the 89th minute after feeling pain in his right foot. The medical team confirmed the fracture following an MRI scan conducted shortly after the match, marking a heartbreaking setback for the 25-year-old Japanese international.
Max Eberl, Bayern's sporting director, expressed his sympathy for Ito, stating, "The news of Hiroki's serious injury hits us all very hard. He had just fought his way back after months of rehab and now faces another long absence. One can only imagine what he is going through. He will receive all the support he needs from us. He is a fighter, and we look forward to seeing him back on the pitch. Keep your head up, Hiroki - FC Bayern is by your side." Eberl's words reflect the collective concern within the club as they grapple with significant injury woes.
This latest injury adds to Bayern's growing list of defensive casualties. Just days before, the team lost Alphonso Davies to a cruciate ligament tear and Dayot Upamecano due to knee surgery for free joint bodies. Eberl noted, "After the absences of Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki's injury marks the third defender lost in a short period. We will now have to rally our forces even more to pursue our goals." With the Champions League quarter-finals approaching, the timing couldn't be worse for Bayern.
In the match against St. Pauli, Bayern initially looked strong, with Leroy Sané scoring twice to give the team a lead. However, the victory was overshadowed by Ito's injury, which forced the team to finish the match with ten players after they had already made five substitutions. The defensive reshuffling led to confusion, allowing St. Pauli to score a late goal, which raised tension in the Allianz Arena.
As the match concluded, Bayern fans were left wondering about the implications of Ito's injury on the team's title aspirations. Harry Kane, who scored the opener and assisted Sané's goals, acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, "It’s really sad for the guys. Phonzy and Upa have played an enormously important role in our season so far – we will definitely miss them. And today it doesn’t look good again in terms of injuries. Losing three players in five days shows how quickly things can change in football."
The club now faces a defensive crisis as they prepare for their upcoming matches, including a crucial tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League. The absence of key players like Davies, Upamecano, and now Ito puts immense pressure on the remaining squad members to step up and fill the gaps.
In the wake of these injuries, Bayern's head coach Vincent Kompany will need to devise a new strategy to maintain their position at the top of the Bundesliga, where they currently lead Bayer Leverkusen by six points. The team’s depth will be tested, and younger players may need to rise to the occasion to keep Bayern's championship hopes alive.
Despite these setbacks, Bayern remains determined to push forward. Eberl emphasized the importance of unity and resilience within the squad, stating, "We will have to gather all our strength to keep our objectives in sight. This is a challenging moment, but we are Bayern Munich, and we will fight together to overcome this adversity."
As the team looks ahead, the focus will be on recovery and preparation. With Ito's rehabilitation expected to take around three months, the club will need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape of their roster. Fans are hopeful that the remaining players can rally together and continue to perform at a high level, despite the mounting injury list.
In the meantime, Bayern Munich will continue to monitor the health of their squad closely. Leon Goretzka, who was substituted at halftime due to back problems, is expected to recover in time for the upcoming fixtures. However, the absence of Manuel Neuer due to a muscle fiber tear further complicates matters for the club as they prepare for a critical period in the season.
Bayern's next matches will be pivotal as they strive to maintain their lead in the Bundesliga and advance in the Champions League. The challenge of overcoming injuries while striving for success will test the team's character and depth in the coming weeks. As they navigate this difficult phase, the resolve of the players and coaching staff will be crucial in determining their fate this season.
