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Bayern Munich's defender Hiroki Ito has endured a setback blow after breaking his right metatarsal bone for the second time this season. The accident happened in Bayern's 3-2 win over FC St. Pauli on March 29, 2025. Ito, who was brought into play in the 58th minute, had to be substituted out in the 89th minute after he was injured. This relapse is especially maddening for the Japanese international, who had just recently come back from the same condition. Ito first fractured his metatarsal in a pre-season friendly match in July 2024 and was sidelined for a couple of months.
After a lengthy process of rehabilitation, he returned to competitive action for Bayern on February 12, 2025, when they played against Celtic Glasgow in the UEFA Champions League. Since then, he had been slowly reintegrated into the team, making a string of good appearances before this latest setback.
Injury woes grow for Bayern as three defenders sidelined
Bayern Munich is now dealing with a crisis at the back, with Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano also rehabilitating from injuries. The loss of Ito further reduces their defensive depth at a critical phase of the season. Bayern's sport board member, Max Eberl, was in deep regret regarding Ito's plight, commending the defender for his determination throughout his recovery. He asserted the club's total backing as Ito again goes through a prolonged absence.
As of this time, Bayern has not offered a concrete time frame for Ito's return. Nonetheless, initial indications are that he will miss several months, keeping him out for the rest of the season. Ito's absence is a huge blow to Bayern's defensive solidity as they carry on their battle for Bundesliga and Champions League supremacy. The club will now have to count on its other defensive options to make up for the absence of the gifted Japanese center-back.
