Aleksandar Pavlović will be available to FC Bayern sooner than expected after breaking his collarbone. This has major consequences for the team.
In FC Bayern’s bitter cup exit against Leverkusen (0-1) on Tuesday, Aleksandar Pavlović’s comeback was almost lost. Somewhat surprisingly, the 20-year-old was back in the squad for the first time after breaking his collarbone on October 19th in the game against VfB Stuttgart (4-0). Head coach Vincent Kompany had actually named the Heidenheim home game on Saturday (from 3:30 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online) as the earliest possible return date.
In the 73rd minute, coach Kompany substituted the midfielder against Leverkusen. Pavlović thus took over his place in central midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich. He came in for Leon Goretzka. Originally, Bayern even had to fear that Pavlović would not be able to play any more games this calendar year. Bayern’s sports director Max Eberl spoke of “a great performance of physiotherapy in the medical department. And of course Aleks’ bone, which allowed him to be back on the pitch.”
The young star himself was almost a little surprised by his successful lightning return. “It happened quickly,” he said and spoke of a “very bitter evening” due to the elimination. In the end he could no longer avoid defeat.
Pavlović’s return was still a ray of hope for Bayern on that painful evening. With his security on the ball, his clever passes and his presence, he immediately showed what makes him so important for his team this season.
In the end of the year, Kompany can now fall back on his desired solution in the center. As such, Pavlović impressed in the first phase of the season. “I don’t have any problems anymore, I’m not afraid,” said the central midfielder. “I’m doing everything I can to get back into the starting lineup. I’ll do my best and then we’ll see.”
Kompany made it clear at his final press conference on Friday that nothing stands in the way of a starting eleven against Heidenheim on Saturday. “There is no time limit for his playing time,” said the coach. “He hasn’t played for a while. But he’s available.”
Kompany appreciates Pavlović. Until his injury, the professional was undisputedly ranked and was clearly ahead of star newcomer João Palhinha in the midfield hierarchy alongside Kimmich. Why? “He was perhaps our best player so far,” said Kompany when Pavlović took his compulsory break due to injury almost seven weeks ago.
There is no doubt that Pavlović will take on a similarly important role and his regular place, which he earned with consistently strong performances.
For Leon Goretzka, this inevitably means that his role as temporary deputy will now end again. Because after Pavlović, Palhinha was also injured (torn muscle bundle in the adductors), Kompany finally brought the 29-year-old back into the team from the sidelines. Goretzka has started the last five games.
He was able to score points as a reliable substitute, but he didn’t make himself indispensable. Palhinha has already started running training. At the latest when the Portuguese is ready for action again, Goretzka will no longer be needed. His recent starting eleven appearances have not changed the fundamentally extremely complicated situation in Munich. He was declared a candidate for sale by those responsible in the summer and is expected to leave the club – possibly during the winter break.