Bayern youngster makes long-awaited injury return after 540 days on the sidelines

After 540 days on the sidelines, Tarek Buchmann finally returned to action last Saturday in a reserve game for Bayern.

After 540 days out with a couple of serious muscle injuries, 19-year-old Bayern Munich defender Tarek Buchmann finally returned to action last Saturday, playing 45 minutes for the reserves in a 2-1 defeat to FC Schweinfurt 05.

Buchmann is a regular member of the first-team squad, trains with Vincent Kompany’s side and only plays for the reserves to gain valuable match experience.

“We wouldn’t have done it if we’d had the impression in training that he wasn’t ready. It was agreed with the professionals that he would come off after 45 minutes,” explained Bayern’s reserves coach, Holger Seitz, according to Kicker.

The plan is for the 19-year-old to gradually increase his workload. Barring an injury setback, he should be able to play 90 minutes by the end of March or early April.

Buchmann is a German youth international and could potentially have developed into an important member of the first-team squad if it hadn’t been for the serious injuries that have held him back.

The aim now is for Buchmann to get some minutes in the Bundesliga towards the end of the season if Bayern manage to clinch the title early.

According to Kicker, he is likely to sign a contract extension and go out on loan next season, with 2. Bundesliga sides Hannover 96 and Fortuna Düsseldorf having made inquiries.