As of: February 8, 2024, 4:24 p.m
By: Manuel Bonke, Philipp Kessler
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Joshua Kimmich is back after his shoulder injury.
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel is once again spoiled for choice in the center of midfield against Leverkusen.
Munich - Happy Birthday, Joshua Kimmich.
FC Bayern's midfield boss turned 29 on Thursday.
Before training began, his club colleagues lined up.
As a matter of tradition, Kimmich had to go through and was patted down - hard but warmly - by each and every one of them.
This was unthinkable just a few days ago.
In the Bundesliga catch-up game against Union Berlin on January 24th, Kimmich suffered an unfortunate fall on his left shoulder.
He then wore an arm sling for a week to protect himself.
When he visited the fan club on January 28th, the left-hander couldn't even sign autographs.
Now he is again an option for Thomas Tuchel (50) for the cracker on Saturday (6.30 p.m., Sky) at league leaders Leverkusen.
After Kimmich's return: Who does Tuchel trust at Bayern headquarters?
The coach is once again spoiled for choice for Bayern's centerpiece.
If Kimmich is given the green light to be in the starting eleven, he should be set.
If you look at his two strong recent performances, Aleksander Pavlovic (19) would be the logical partner in the number six position.
However, the two have never been on the pitch together from the start.
It is questionable whether Tuchel will choose this variant in the important game for the lead in the table.
If Kimmich were to be in the starting line-up in Leverkusen, a duo with his long-time midfield colleague Leon Goretzka (29) would be more conceivable.
If the leading player does not feel ready to play from the start, Tuchel will probably go back to the tried and tested solution with Pavlovic and Goretzka.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka have often played together in the midfield center.
© IMAGO/eu-images
Kimmich can also do it as a joker
He proved in December 2020 against Leverkusen that Kimmich can also be valuable as a joker.
Back then, he came on as a substitute during his comeback after meniscus surgery and prepared Robert Lewandowski (35/currently FC Barcelona) for the winning goal in the 2-1 win.
Bayern knocked Leverkusen off the top.
The people of Munich would certainly have no objection to a repeat.
There was also positive news from other injured FC Bayern players on Thursday: midfielder Konrad Laimer (26) completed his first running rounds for the first time after tearing a muscle bundle in his left calf around two weeks ago.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (37) was also able to train individually again after slight knee problems.
The plan is for him to start training again on Friday and be fit in time for the clash in Leverkusen.
Philipp Kessler, Manuel Bonke