Pavlovic returns to training – Bayern Munich injury update

Bayern Munich’s preparations for their Bundesliga opener against RB Leipzig are continuing with a noticeably thin squad, however there have been injury developments at Säbeber Straße.

Aleksandar Pavlovic, who had been sidelined with a fractured eye socket that required surgery, has returned to parts of team training this week, as per reports from Kicker. 

Wearing a protective mask, the 20-year-old academy graduate took part in various drills on Monday and again on Tuesday. Kicker suggests that the midfielder is now in contention for the matchday squad against RB Leipzig on Friday night. 

The reduced numbers in training have not gone unnoticed. Bayern currently only have six recognised options across their front four: Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Lennart Karl, Jonah Kusi-Asare, Luis Diaz and Harry Kane, who missed the past two sessions.

The club have put this down to load management rather than injury, with the same applying to Konrad Laimer. 

Sacha Boey remains the main alternative at right-back but has struggled to convince, while 18-year-old Kusi-Asare has shown promise in pre-season without yet being ready for a leading role. Unsurprisingly, Kane’s fitness is viewed as untouchable in Munich. As Manuel Neuer put it, “I have a feeling something will still happen,” a pointed reminder to the sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund that reinforcements are needed.

In the middle of the park, Bayern’s situation is more stable following the return of Pavlovic, with the youngster expected to have the edge over Leon Goretzka in the pecking order.