Bayern Munich: Leon Goretzka relieved after return to action
The final phase of the season started on a good note for Bayern Munich as they clinched a crucial 4-1 win against Freiburg on Saturday. Along with favourable results over the weekend, Die Roten has managed to go nine points clear at the top of the points table.
The win against Freiburg also saw Leon Goretzka finally returning to the starting XI after four months. The German midfielder was on the sidelines since early December due to a knee injury. He suffered a few setbacks during the rehabilitation process, which eventually ruled him out for a longer period.
Leon Goretzka marked his return to the starting XI at Bayern with a commanding midfield performance against Freiburg. The German international was very good defensively in this game and also contributed in the final third. Goretzka capped off an eventful afternoon by scoring the opener for Die Roten.
Goretzka was very animated in his celebration after scoring the opening goal against Freiburg on Saturday. The German midfielder vented the frustration he had felt in the last four months. While talking to media after the game (via Sport1), Goretzka admitted that he felt goosebumps after scoring for Bayern on Saturday. The German midfielder also insisted that the situation was more frustrating for him due to the complex nature of the injury.
"“A moment of goosebumps. It took a lot off! The last few months have not been easy for me.”“It was a very complicated story. You never really knew what it looked like. That was also something that the doctors hadn’t seen that often.”"
Bayern has been slowly integrating back into the training to avoid a relapse of the knee injury. His playing time is also likely to be managed right now until he has the complete fitness to play 90 minutes. Goretzka was allowed to play an hour against Freiburg on Saturday, which does suggest that he is likely to start against Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The German international’s return is a timely boost for Rekordmeister as they are chasing the Bundesliga and Champions League titles. Goretzka provides more tenacity in the midfield, while his defensive work brings more solidity to the team’s defense. The German midfielder also has a knack for scoring goals, which makes him an even more valuable asset for the team.
Leon Goretzka will have a big role to play in the latter stages of the Champions League. The Bavarian club is looking to bring the European trophy back to Allianz Arena. Along with Kimmich, Goretzka forms a very good midfield partnership. Julian Nagelsmann will be hoping that he can use this midfield combination regularly in the final two months of the season.
Next. Takeaways from win against Freiburg. dark
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After a very long time, Bayern Munich is set to have almost every member of the squad fit for the business end of the season. Niklas Sule also made his return against Freiburg after a brief spell on the sidelines. Alphonso Davies is also nearing a return to the starting XI after being out of action for three months due to myocarditis.