November 24, (THEWILL) – Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich’s defensive midfielder, has tested positive for coronavirus after earlier causing controversy by refusing to get vaccinated.
Kimmich had to be compelled to quarantine at home after coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19 and he missed his team’s Bundesliga setback to Bavarian rivals Augsburg, as well as a narrow Champions League triumph over Dynamo Kyiv.
Kimmich’s situation has reportedly deteriorated because, while in quarantine, the Germany international is said to have tested positive for coronavirus. Kimmich will now be unavailable for Bayern for 14 days, though if he tests negative, he might return sooner.
He joins a long list of Bayern players who have been afflicted by COVID-19 this season. Niklas Sule, Josip Stanicic, and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting all tested positive earlier this month, prompting Jamal Musiala, Michael Cuisance, and Serge Gnabry to be quarantined on Sunday.
The timing of these absences is significant. The defeat to Augsburg reduced their Bundesliga lead to a single point over Borussia Dortmund, whom they will meet in Der Klassiker on December 4.
Kimmich could miss this crucial match, as well as Die Roten’s weekend match against Arminia Bielefeld.
The midfielder did not rule out getting vaccinated in the future, but for the time being, he has chosen to remain unjabbed, as he revealed in an interview last month.
“Because I just want to wait for myself when it comes to long-term studies. Nevertheless, I am aware of my responsibility. Of course, I adhere to the hygiene measures. It is also the case that we unvaccinated players at the club are tested every two or three days,” he said.
Kimmich’s refusal to get the vaccine has been criticised, despite the fact that he and midfield partner Leon Goretzka established a relief effort for businesses hit by the pandemic earlier this year.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
