Bayern Munich expect Ismael Saibari to be sidelined for between three and four months after undergoing surgery on an ankle ligament injury sustained against Borussia Dortmund.
The Morocco midfielder suffered a torn syndesmosis ligament during Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the eighth round of the Bundesliga. He left the Allianz Arena on crutches after a collision with the opposition goalkeeper.
German newspaper Bild reported on Sunday that Saibari would miss at least three months. However, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl said on Monday that the player’s absence could extend to four months, according to Tribuna.
“The operation went well yesterday,” Eberl said in comments reported by journalist Florian Plettenberg. “He was already sitting with us at lunch today. I was completely surprised and asked him whether he would be back in two or three weeks. He laughed a little and said: ‘Two and a half weeks.’
“But that probably won’t happen. We expect him to be out for between three and four months because of the torn syndesmosis ligament.”
Successful operation, lengthy rehabilitation
Eberl confirmed that the operation had been successful but stressed that the nature of the injury meant Saibari would need a lengthy period of recovery and rehabilitation before he could return to competitive football.
The syndesmosis is a group of tissues connecting the two bones in the lower leg and helping to stabilise the ankle joint. Injuries to the area require careful rehabilitation, with an early return carrying the risk of a setback.
The latest estimates mean Saibari could remain unavailable until February or March 2027, depending on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. Bayern’s medical staff will therefore focus on ensuring that he regains full fitness before returning, rather than risking a recurrence of the injury.
Bayern hit by multiple injuries
Saibari was one of several Bayern players to suffer an injury during the match against Borussia Dortmund.
Serge Gnabry is expected to miss between four and six weeks with a hamstring problem. Michael Olise’s condition was still being assessed after the match because the initial diagnosis was unclear.
Goalkeeper Jonas Urbig also suffered dizziness after taking a heavy blow to the head. Bayern continued to monitor him before deciding when he could return.
Saibari’s injury is a significant setback for Bayern, who had been counting on the Moroccan midfielder during a busy period of domestic and European fixtures. His prolonged absence will leave the club without his services for a substantial part of the upcoming schedule.
