Ito could miss first half of next season

Kicker report that the Japanese defender will most likely be out of action until 2026.

Bayern Munich confirmed Eric Dier’s departure from the club, and they could also be without another center-back for the majority of the upcoming season. Kicker report that the return date of Hiroki Ito could be pushed until the start of 2026.

The Japanese international suffered a second metatarsal fracture injury in the home game against St. Pauli in March. The first incident came during the pre-season as he only made his return following a lengthy absence in his debut season at Bayern.

Recovering from a concurrent serious injury will be a huge challenge for the former VfB Stuttgart all-rounder. Accordingly, Bayern want to handle the situation with extreme caution, according to kicker.

Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund will be expected to add defensive reinforcement this summer (or possibly for the Club World Cup). “We now have to monitor the injury situation – exactly how long Hiroki Ito will be out,” responded Freund when asked about a potential active involvement in the transfer market.