Bayern Munich’s comprehensive 4-0 win over Stuttgart in the Bundesliga Topspiel was marred by an early injury to Aleksandar Pavlović. The 20-year-old defender was forced off the pitch after a collision in the opening minutes, and Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, provided a worrying update post-match. Speaking to Sky Germany, Eberl revealed that Pavlović was being assessed for what appeared to be a broken collarbone, stating, “He is currently being examined. It looks like he has a broken collarbone, which will take a little longer. We have always said that we need a deep squad. It is really, really dramatic for Aleks.”
Painful Timing and Expected Absence
Pavlović’s injury occurred just six minutes into the game after an awkward fall following an aerial duel with Stuttgart’s Fabian Rieder. He was quickly replaced by João Palhinha, as Bayern reshuffled their midfield. According to reports from Bild, Pavlović is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, adding to a difficult year for the defender. Earlier in 2024, Pavlović was forced to miss the European Championship due to a bout of tonsillitis. Despite this, he managed to regain his fitness in time for the new season and had featured in nine matches across all competitions for Bayern before this latest setback.
The injury’s timing is particularly unfortunate for Pavlović, who had slowly worked his way back into regular matchday squads. This latest blow will keep him out of action at a crucial stage of the season as Bayern competes on multiple fronts.
Impact on Bayern’s Midfield Depth
Pavlović has been regarded as an integral part of Vincent Kompany’s setup, despite only logging 209 minutes of play this season. His absence will undoubtedly create a void in the squad, particularly given Bayern’s busy schedule. However, it opens the door for other players to make their mark. Palhinha, who immediately replaced Pavlović, now has a chance to stake a claim for a more prominent role, while Leon Goretzka also stands to benefit from increased playing time.
