Ito’s Bayern Munich Debut Further Delayed Following Additional Foot Surgery
Hiroki Ito’s wait to make his Bayern Munich debut has been prolonged as the Japanese center-back underwent another foot surgery on Tuesday. This latest procedure comes after a string of setbacks following his initial injury, which has kept him off the field since his arrival at Bayern in the summer. The 25-year-old joined the Bundesliga giants from Stuttgart for a reported €23.5 million, arriving with high expectations, but the recurring injury has delayed his first appearance.
Bayern Munich confirmed the news in a statement, saying, “Hiroki Ito required further surgery on his metatarsal. This took place today, Tuesday, and went well.” The statement continued to clarify that Ito would remain sidelined for an indefinite period as he restarts his rehabilitation process. Initially, Bayern’s medical team had hoped that Ito could make a return by late October or early November, but with this new development, his recovery timetable is uncertain.
The injury, a broken metatarsal, occurred during a pre-season friendly match against FC Dueren, a lower-division team, back in July. Since then, Ito has been working through recovery, but the latest setback suggests that the healing process has been more complicated than initially anticipated. Foot injuries like metatarsal fractures can be particularly challenging for athletes, as they affect balance, mobility, and overall foot strength—critical elements for professional football players.
Ito’s absence has left Bayern Munich to rely on their other defensive options, including Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano. Fortunately, Bayern’s defense has held strong thus far, with the club currently leading the Bundesliga. However, Ito’s delayed debut is a missed opportunity for both the player and the club, which sought to add depth to their backline with his signing.
Since debuting with the Japanese national team in 2022, Ito has earned 19 caps and scored one goal, establishing himself as a reliable international player. His experience and tactical awareness were expected to strengthen Bayern’s defense in their quest for both domestic and European titles. With his Bayern debut postponed yet again, Ito’s focus now shifts entirely to recovery and rehabilitation in hopes of a successful return.
The timeline for Ito’s return remains unclear, but Bayern’s handling of his recovery reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term health. For Bayern fans and Japanese supporters alike, the hope remains that he will make a full recovery and bring his defensive talents to the pitch in Bavaria soon.
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