Germany’s 1-0 loss to Ireland yesterday went from bad to worse as Bayern Munich confirmed today that Mario Götze would miss 10-12 weeks with a groin injury.
Götze was subbed off in the first half against Ireland after a run in with James McCarthy. Following the match, manager Joachim Löw announced that Götze wouldn’t play against Georgia on Sunday. After being examined by Bayern Munich’s doctors it’s now likely that Götze wont play until 2016.
That's harsh! @MarioGoetze will be out of action for #FCBayern for ten to twelve weeks! Get well soon, Mario! pic.twitter.com/SRs6rDY50i
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) October 9, 2015
This is a big blow for a player that has struggled with confidence at times over the past few years. Recently, however, he’s seen his playing time with Bayern and the national team increase. The potential three-month layoff couldn’t come at a worse time. He has just started to gain the trust of manager Pep Guardiola. Earlier this year, the 23-year-old had been linked with a move to Juventus, suggesting he had fallen out of favor with his coach. But as the season has gone on he’s become an increasingly important member of the squad. He recently tallied a goal and an assist in the match against Dortmund last weekend.
For the club, Götze’s injury is definitely bad news, but with Arjen Robben returning from injury and the emergence of Kingsley Coman, it’s hardly fatal. Guardiola will have to adjust his rotation policy, but compared to last season the team is getting relatively healthy. Götze’s absence will affect the team’s depth and limit the kind of changes Guardiola will be able to make off the bench, but it will also give young players like Sebastian Rode more of a chance to play.
Bayern will want to have Götze back sooner, rather than later. But this injury affects the player much more than the club at this stage in the season. The worse case scenario for Götze is that he loses his spot in the starting XI once he comes back. If he can keep his spot, he’ll be an important part to Bayern’s Champions League plans if he’s back in form in April and May. For Germany, he’ll be needed in France next summer, so a quick recovery and return to form will be most welcome to Joachim Löw.
