Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann shares optimistic Sadio Mane injury update
Bayern Munich's Julian Nagelsmann has given an update on the progress of Senegalese winger Sadio Mane's injury recovery ahead of the club's upcoming Bundesliga match against VfL Wolfsburg.
Image credit: Getty Images Sadio ManeMane, who has been a crucial player for Nagelsmann this season, suffered a leg injury before the 2022 World Cup, forcing him to miss the tournament.
However, following a successful surgery to repair a tendon in his right fibula, Mane began his strength and conditioning training during the winter break.
Nagelsmann stated, "We're trying to integrate him with the team around the 21st of February. We're very happy with how things went so far. I'm expecting him back mid or towards the end of February, probably not for the first leg against PSG."
This news comes as a double-edged sword for Bayern. While it's positive to hear that Mane is making progress, the Champions League first leg against Paris Saint-Germain FC is on 14 February, away in Paris. With only two Bundesliga games before the second leg, there's not much time for the winger to make a comeback.
Kingsley Coman has filled in for Mane on the left wing and also served as a wing-back, but with the addition of Daley Blind (Ajax) and Joao Cancelo (Manchester City) during the winter transfer window, Nagelsmann now has new options to consider, including a return to a back three formation.
Mane's return to fitness brings back memories of last year, when Alphonso Davies was fighting his way back from a long injury lay-off due to COVID-19-induced myocarditis.
Despite Davies' quick return, Bayern faced an early exit in the Champions League against Villarreal CF. Let's hope Mane's return to the field goes smoother.
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