Bayern Munich has faced a significant setback as the club announced on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, that two of its key defenders, Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano, will be sidelined due to injuries sustained during international duty. This news comes as Bayern continues its pursuit of silverware in both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.
Alphonso Davies, the Canadian left-back, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Canada’s 2-1 victory over the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League on March 23. The 24-year-old was substituted in the 12th minute of the match and later underwent tests in Munich, confirming the severity of the injury. Bayern Munich has stated that Davies will undergo surgery on the same day the announcement was made and is expected to be out for approximately six months.
“International breaks always pose a risk for injuries, and this time, we have been hit particularly hard,” said Bayern's board member for sport, Max Eberl. “The absence of Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano weighs heavily on FC Bayern.” Eberl reassured fans that the team would provide all the support necessary for Davies during his recovery.
In addition to Davies, Dayot Upamecano will also be absent from the pitch for several weeks. The French central defender returned from international duty with a knee injury diagnosed as loose joint bodies in his left knee. Upamecano played a crucial role in France’s quarterfinal win against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, where he not only played the full 120 minutes but also scored the winning penalty in the shootout after the two-legged tie ended in a 2-2 draw on aggregate.
“Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of players returning from international breaks with injuries,” Eberl noted. “This time we’ve been hit particularly hard. Losing both players is a huge setback.”
With these injuries, Bayern will have to rely more heavily on their remaining squad depth. Central defender Kim Min-jae, who recently returned to training after an Achilles tendon injury, may see increased playing time. Additionally, fringe players like Eric Dier, Raphaël Guerreiro, and Hiroki Ito are likely to be called upon to step up in the absence of Davies and Upamecano.
Bayern Munich is currently leading the Bundesliga, holding a six-point advantage over defending champions Bayer Leverkusen. The team is also preparing for a crucial Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Inter Milan next month. The injuries come at a critical time as Bayern aims to secure both domestic and European titles this season.
Davies’ absence is particularly concerning, as he brings a unique attacking threat and pace that will be hard to replace. His recent contract extension until 2030, reportedly worth €15 million per season plus bonuses, underscores his importance to the squad. Eberl expressed confidence in the team's ability to cope, stating, “Our squad is strong, and we will pull together to compensate for these absences. The quality is there to continue pursuing our big goals.”
As Bayern Munich gears up for the challenges ahead, the club and its supporters remain hopeful that both players will recover quickly and return to the field. The upcoming matches will test the depth and resilience of the squad as they navigate through this tough period.
