Bayern Munich are waiting to discover the extent of Konrad Laimer’s foot injury after the Austria international was forced to leave Saturday’s friendly against RB Leipzig.
Laimer was withdrawn early in the match after suffering a blow that caused his foot to swell. Bayern’s director of sport, Max Eberl, said the midfielder was unable to continue normally and needed assistance to walk from the pitch.
“Konni (Laimer) took a knock relatively early on, and his foot quickly became swollen. That is why he went off as a precaution,” Eberl told German newspaper Bild.
Eberl later indicated that the problem appeared more serious than a routine substitution, although he stressed that Bayern did not yet know how long Laimer might be unavailable.
“It was so obvious that he could no longer walk and needed someone to help him. You saw it, and he was not moving normally,” Eberl said.
Asked about the likely recovery period, Eberl added: “I really cannot say today how long it will take.”
The injury is an unwelcome concern for Bayern with the new season approaching. The German champions are due to begin their competitive campaign against Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup on 22 August.
Laimer’s versatility has made him an important option for Bayern, but the club will now await further assessment before determining whether he can be involved in preparations for that fixture. No timescale for his absence has yet been given.
Bayern responded to the setback on the pitch by beating RB Leipzig 3-1 in Saturday’s friendly. Luis Diaz, Nathaniel Brown and Jamal Musiala scored for Bayern, with Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari providing the assist for the third goal.
The appearance was Saibari’s first for the record Bundesliga champions. His involvement came as Bayern continued their preparations for the new campaign, with the result overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding Laimer.
Eberl’s comments suggest the Austrian’s condition will need to be monitored before Bayern can assess whether the injury will affect the start of his season. The club have yet to announce a diagnosis or a projected return date.
