“Life is different for Jo now,” says Eberl about the bereavement in Kimmich’s family

Sports director Max Eberl pointed out the special situation for the captain of the German national team before Joshua Kimmich's planned comeback in FC Bayern's top game against Borussia Dortmund.

"Life is different for Jo now. There's no need to make a secret of it. If something happens in the family, then life changes," said Eberl after the death in midfield boss Kimmich's closest family circle.

The 31-year-old missed the last three Bayern games while he was mourning with his family. “Jo Kimmich has trained individually twice so far and will train with the team for the first time today,” said assistant coach Aaron Danks the day before the league leaders’ home game against the second-placed team with the same points.

“And then we'll see what happens next for him,” said Danks, who will also represent the ill Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany on Saturday evening (6.30 p.m./Sky and in the WELT live ticker), regarding a possible starting eleven or squad place for regular Kimmich.

Regarding Kompany, who is supposed to recover at home after being diagnosed with meningitis, Danks said: “We are taking this really seriously, I also have clear instructions from Max (Eberl) and Christoph (Freund) not to drag him into any discussions.”

In addition to Kompany and the offensive players Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz, captain Manuel Neuer will also remain out. "Unfortunately, the game comes a little too early for Manuel Neuer. He still has pain in his foot. We have to keep looking from day to day," explained Danks. Jonas Urbig will once again be in goal. And if Kimmich starts, he could replace Neuer as captain.

Eberl assured Kimmich of the club's full support in a difficult time for him. "I think we're living that right now. We're not just babbling about it. We're giving the support we can," explained the sports director.

Eberl said specifically about the Dortmund game: "If Jo feels ready to immerse himself in this new everyday life, then the coaching staff will think with him about whether tomorrow is the right time." But one thing is clear: "Life is a bit different for Jo. You just have to hold on to that."