COVID-19: Bayern Defender Kimmich Suffers Lung Damage, Out Until January

Bayern Munich have confirmed Joshua Kimmich has suffered lung damage caused by COVID-19 and will miss the remainder of 2021.

The midfielder tested positive for the virus at the end of last month and had his wages docked for missing games while in self isolation.

Kimmich has now ended his period of quarantine, but is still unable to return to training as he battles with the side effects of the virus, which has taken its toll on the 26-year-old’s body.

In a statement released on Bayern’s official site, Kimmich said: “I’m happy my self-isolation caused by the coronavirus has ended.

“I’m doing very well, but I’m not yet able to train fully due to slight infiltrations in my lungs.

“I’ll therefore do some rehabilitative training and can’t wait to be fully back in action in January.”

Kimmich had previously been outspoken about vaccination against the virus, his scepticism fuelled by what he perceived to be a lack of studies. He insists that he is not an anti-vaxxer.

He said: “I have concerns about the lack of long-term studies.

“I am of course aware of my responsibility. I follow all hygiene measures and get tested every two to three days. Everyone should make the decision for themselves.”

Kimmich will miss the clashes with Mainz, Stuttgart and Wolfsburg before the year ends.

According to Bild, the midfielder was one of five unvaccinated players to have pay docked over their refusal to take up the vaccine.

Along with Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and Michael Cuisance and Choupo-Moting, Kimmich was told by the club that they would not be paid for every week missed due to self-isolation, either through close contact with a positive test, or through contracting the virus themselves.

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