Min-jae Kim
FCB
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Nov 15, 1996 (29)
Right
6'3"
194 lb
Could return for DFB-Pokal clash
Kim (groin) could return for Wednesday's DFB-Pokal clash against Magdeburg after resuming individual training Monday, according to assistant coach Aaron Danks. "Kim and Aleksandar are certainly a bit closer."
Analysis: Kim is making encouraging progress in his recovery from a minor groin injury that forced him off at halftime during Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw against Arsenal. The South Korean defender subsequently missed Sunday's Bundesliga encounter against Freiburg due to a combination of muscular discomfort and illness, although examinations reportedly ruled out structural damage. Kim resumed individual training Monday at Sabener Strasse, putting him in contention for Wednesday's cup fixture against Magdeburg. Assistant coach Danks suggested that the center-back is closer to returning than some of Bayern's other injured players, although his availability will depend on further discussions with the medical staff and his response to training. Saturday's Bundesliga showdown against Dortmund provides another potential opportunity for his return if Wednesday comes too soon. Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah remain the primary options in central defense, with Kim potentially rejoining the rotation once fully cleared.
Resumes individual training after absence
Kim (groin) resumed individual training Monday at Bayern Munich's training facility after missing Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Freiburg due to a combination of muscular discomfort and feeling unwell, according to the club.
Analysis: Kim has taken an encouraging step toward returning to competitive action after being ruled out of Sunday's encounter against Freiburg. The South Korean center-back initially suffered a minor muscular strain during Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw against Arsenal, forcing him off at halftime with groin and knee discomfort. Although subsequent examinations reportedly ruled out structural damage, Bayern opted against risking him over the weekend, with illness also contributing to his absence. Kim was able to complete an individual training session Monday at Sabener Strasse, suggesting his recovery is progressing as expected. Assistant coach Aaron Danks had previously indicated that the defender could rejoin full team training this week, although he has yet to receive clearance to do so. His availability for Bayern's upcoming fixtures will depend on his progress over the coming days, with Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah remaining the primary options in central defense.
Ruled out against Freiburg
Kim (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Freiburg after suffering a minor muscular strain during Wednesday's Champions League encounter against Arsenal, according to assistant coach Aaron Danks. "Kim will not be available this weekend as well; he picked up a small strain, and we don't want to take any risks. He'll be back with the team next week."
Analysis: Kim will miss Sunday's encounter against Freiburg after picking up a minor muscular injury during Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw against Arsenal. The South Korean center-back was forced off at halftime after experiencing groin and knee discomfort, initially raising concerns about a potentially significant injury. However, subsequent medical examinations ruled out structural damage, and assistant coach Danks has now confirmed that the issue is a minor strain that should only require a short recovery period. Bayern have decided against risking the defender this weekend, with his return to team training expected next week. Kim has made four Bundesliga appearances this season, recording four tackles, six interceptions and 10 clearances. With Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah ahead of him in the central defensive pecking order, his absence should have a limited impact on Bayern's starting lineup, although it temporarily reduces their defensive depth.
Avoids serious injury after Arsenal clash
Kim has avoided a structural injury after being forced off at halftime during Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw against Arsenal due to groin and knee discomfort, although his availability for Sunday's Bundesliga encounter against Freiburg remains uncertain, according to BILD.
Analysis: Kim received encouraging news following initial medical examinations after experiencing groin and knee discomfort during Wednesday's Champions League draw against Arsenal. The center-back was forced off at halftime, raising concerns about a potential spell on the sidelines, but early assessments have ruled out structural damage. Coach Vincent Kompany had already played down the severity of the issue after the match, and Bayern will now monitor the South Korean defender's condition on a day-to-day basis ahead of Sunday's trip to Freiburg. Kim has made four Bundesliga appearances this season, recording four tackles, six interceptions and 10 clearances. He remains behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in the central defensive pecking order, although he continues to provide an important rotation option across competitions. His involvement Sunday will depend on how his discomfort develops over the coming days.
Third in center-back hierarchy
Kim has made three Bundesliga appearances this season.
Analysis: Kim has recorded three tackles, four interceptions and nine clearances across his three league appearances. He remains Bayern's third-choice center-back behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, which is likely to limit his starting opportunities when both preferred defenders are available. Kim should nevertheless remain a regular rotation option with Bayern competing across multiple competitions.
Back in full team training
Kim (thigh) rejoined Bayern Munich's team training session Monday after being substituted in Saturday's friendly with a left thigh issue, the club announced.
Analysis: Kim's discomfort does not appear to be holding him back on the training pitch, as the South Korean center back was able to work alongside his teammates to start the week. There is no indication at this stage that the issue will keep him out of contention going forward. Kim is expected to continue in full training without restriction as Bayern move forward in their preparations.
Picks up thigh issue
Kim was forced off in the 69th minute of Saturday's friendly against RB Leipzig with a problem affecting his left thigh.
Analysis: Kim suffered a left thigh problem during Saturday's friendly against RB Leipzig and was forced off in the 69th minute, with Hiroki Ito replacing him. He will likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue, with more information needed before his availability for the start of the season can be assessed. The injury should not immediately alter Bayern's plans for Kim, who is expected to provide depth behind Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano, although the club will hope the issue does not sideline him for an extended period and deprive them of a valuable backup option.
Fizzles out after strong start
Kim logged one shot on goal and a chance created across 66 minutes during the Korea Republic's 1-0 loss Wednesday against South Africa.
Analysis: For the first minutes, Kim was arguably Korea's best player. From a corner, he headed its first shot on goal, blocked by Aubrey Modiba. Kim also stopped the opposing team's first counter-attack by blocking a shot from Relebohile Mofokeng. But defensively, the Korean center-back did not do much, his lone stat being a clearance. Kim notably fell behind South Africa's game-changing counterattack, which indicates why Park Jin-Seob replaced the former minutes after RSA scored. For a redemptive opportunity, he must wait for other results out of the Koreans' control. During their group-stage games, Kim logged six clearances, two interceptions and one block.
Multiple tackles won and clearances
Kim logged two tackles (two won) and two clearances during South Korea's 1-0 loss Thursday at Mexico.
Analysis: South Korea frequently attempted to create offense from the back, which meant center-back Kim achieved more passing Thursday than during his last appearance, when he created two chances. But like most of the Korean team, Kim was offensively stifled, as indicated by his zero creations Thursday. Considering that Kim recorded two interceptions and no tackles against the Czech Republic, his latest log means he flipped both categories' tallies at Mexico. For a second consecutive appearance, Kim registered multiple clearances, five between Korea's group-stage games.
Solid in center of defense
Kim logged one tackle (zero won), two clearances and two interceptions in Thursday's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Analysis: Known as the Reds' most recognizable and experienced defender in this World Cup, Kim has been instructed to command their defensive line, which included Lee Han-Beom and Lee Gi-Hyuk on his sides as part of a trio. Despite second-half struggles, Kim and the two survived a latter-half Czech offensive that featured three shots on target. And alongside Lee Jae-Sung, Kim was among two Koreans to log multiple interceptions and chances created, showcasing his versatility on both sides of the pitch.
Plays off bench
Kim (knee) played 28 minutes off the bench in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago, confirming his return to full fitness and putting him on track to start and lead South Korea's back three at the World Cup.
Analysis: Kim had missed Bayern Munich's season finale against Koln with a minor knee issue, but his appearance in the friendly is a clean bill of health heading into the tournament. The experienced center-back ended the club season with two goal involvements, 80 clearances and 25 Bundesliga appearances and will now shift his full attention to the World Cup with South Korea, where he is expected to be the defensive cornerstone as the Taegeuk Warriors open their Group A campaign against Czechia on June 11 in Guadalajara.
Out of season finale
Kim is not in the squad for Saturday's season finale against Koln due to a minor knee issue.
Analysis: Kim misses out on short notice and while the injury is not considered serious, there's no reason to risk it with the league title locked for multiple weeks. The center back ends the year making 19 starts across 25 Bundesliga appearances making 80 clearances and chipping in with two goal involvements. Kim will look to gain full fitness ahead of the World Cup campaign with South Korea.
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