In a thrilling Bundesliga showdown, FC Bayern Munich managed to secure a 3:2 victory against FC St. Pauli on March 30, 2025. However, the match was marred by injury woes that continue to plague the Bavarian giants, leaving their defensive line in disarray.
Bayern's win not only solidified their position at the top of the Bundesliga table, extending their lead to six points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, but it also highlighted the team's growing injury crisis. The match saw Hiroki Ito, who had just been substituted in for Raphael Guerreiro around the 60th minute, suffer a serious injury to his right foot. The unfortunate incident occurred when Ito was seen limping off the pitch, later diagnosed with a broken metatarsal, marking the second time this season he has faced such a setback.
After Ito's injury, Joshua Kimmich was forced to fill in at left-back for five minutes, during which Bayern conceded a goal, bringing the score to 3:2. The defensive situation has become increasingly dire for Bayern, as they are already missing key players such as Dayot Upamecano, who is sidelined with knee issues, and Alphonso Davies, who is out with an ACL tear. Both players returned from international duty with these injuries just days before the match.
The situation worsened with Min-jae Kim not traveling with the South Korean national team due to ongoing Achilles tendon problems, leaving Bayern's backline severely weakened. "The boys are pretty much at their limit," said FC Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund in a post-match interview. "It hurts to lose players like that." Coach Vincent Kompany echoed these sentiments, noting that Ito felt the same foot injury he had earlier in the season, which is a significant blow for the team.
With the absence of Ito, Upamecano, and Davies, Bayern's defense has been forced to rely on makeshift solutions. Youngsters Adam Aznou and Frans Krätzig, who could have provided depth, were loaned out during the winter transfer window, further complicating matters. Eric Dier stepped into the defensive role during the match, but the lack of cohesion in the backline was evident.
Adding to the challenges, Leon Goretzka was substituted at halftime due to back problems, while Aleksandar Pavlovic is out with glandular fever. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also sidelined with a muscle tear, replaced by Jonas Urbig, who had previously been the second-choice keeper at a lower division club. The defensive gaps are becoming a significant concern for Bayern as they head into crucial matches in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
Despite these defensive struggles, Bayern's attacking trio of Leroy Sané, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise shone brightly against St. Pauli. Sané scored twice, while Kane contributed with a goal and an assist, and Olise added two assists to his tally. Their combined efforts were instrumental in securing the win, as they exploited the gaps in St. Pauli's defense with skillful play and quick combinations that left the opposition scrambling.
In the aftermath of the match, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen addressed the injury situation, stating, "Complaining doesn’t help, nor does looking back." His comments reflect a determination to push forward despite the mounting challenges. However, the frustration with the injuries is palpable, especially given the timing of these setbacks as the team aims for high aspirations this season.
As Bayern Munich continues to juggle injuries within their squad, the pressure is on Kompany to adapt and find solutions that will allow the team to maintain their championship form. The club's ambitions remain high, but the path forward is fraught with obstacles. With Kingsley Coman expected to return soon from a foot irritation, there is a glimmer of hope for Bayern's attacking options, yet the defensive lineup remains a pressing concern.
Looking ahead, Bayern must navigate their upcoming fixtures with a patchwork defense and a reliance on their attacking prowess. The stakes are high as they seek to maintain their lead in the Bundesliga and advance in the Champions League. The resilience of this squad will be tested in the coming weeks, and fans will be watching closely to see how they adapt to these challenges.
