Bayern Munich have confirmed that defender Hiroki Ito is expected to be out with a fractured metatarsal suffered during a pre-season friendly against Düren.
Ito went off in the 21st minute of Bayern’s 1-1 draw on Sunday. Sky Germany reports that the time period of the Japanese defender’s absence will be around two to three months. The 25-year-old only joined Bayern this summer from VfB Stuttgart.
How this affects Bayern’s transfer plans going forward is yet to be seen. Negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah have hit a dead end and a move is unlikely to be completed. This also means that Matthijs de Ligt is likely to stay at Bayern.
The Dutch international had been linked with a move to Manchester United to reunite with old manager Erik Ten Hag but talks have between clubs have stalled. The injury to Ito now means that Bayern will need options in defence and so De Ligt’s future at the Allianz Arena is safe for now.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
