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Bayern suffer massive blow ahead of Dortmund and Barcelona games

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Joshua Kimmich has tested positive for COVID-19 as Bayern remain grappled by the virus.

Bayern Munich are suffering a COVID-19 outbreak, with several players missing recent matches due to infection. Aside from that, the vaccination status of some Bayern players has generated huge controversy in recent weeks.

Last month, Joshua Kimmich publicly announced he was not vaccinated. The player said he is waiting for more scholarship on the vaccine’s long-term effects. Since then, several sources have claimed Bayern are trying to convince their “five unvaccinated players” to take the jab.

What has been said?

On Wednesday, Germany boss Hansi Flick confirmed Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry had received their shots. The manager also revealed Kimmich has changed his mind and will take the jab in the near future.

However, only a few hours later, Bild reported Kimmich has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a huge blow for Bayern, who have shown how much they rely on Kimmich’s presence in their midfield.

The club had confirmed Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s positive test a few hours earlier. They have not yet published a statement on Kimmich’s test.

What does it mean for Bayern?

In case of a positive test, Kimmich will have to stay in quarantine for 14 days. The player will most likely miss his side’s crucial league game against Borussia Dortmund as well as the home match against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Kimmich has spent the past two weeks in quarantine too. The 26-year-old had to self-isolate due to a close contact’s positive test.

In the absence of Kimmich, Bayern have struggled for consistency in their midfielder. They were humiliated 5-0 by Borussia Monchengladbach in their first game without the German star. Despite winning 2-1 against Dynamo Kyiv in their next match, Bayern were still far from their best form in midfield.

The absence of Kimmich might increase Barcelona’s chances of defeating Bayern at Allianz Arena. A victory will secure Barca’s qualification for the next round of the Champions League. However, they might still qualify with a draw if Benfica would not win their clash against Dynamo Kyiv.

In Bundesliga, Dortmund are closely chasing the Bavarians on the league table. A win at Der Klassiker will be enough for Dortmund to leapfrog Bayern from the top of the Bundesliga table.

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