Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito has suffered a recurrence of a fracture in his right metatarsal bone during yesterday's match against FC St. Pauli, according to the club's official website. The Japanese international, who came on as a substitute in the 58th minute, was forced to leave the pitch in the 89th minute following the injury setback.

This marks Ito's second serious injury since his €30 million transfer from VfB Stuttgart in summer 2024. Bayern's medical staff confirmed the 25-year-old will be sidelined for an extended period, dealing another blow to Thomas Tuchel's defensive options.

Bayern board member Max Eberl expressed the club's support: "The news of another serious injury to Hiroki hits us all very hard. He’s only just battled back after months of rehab and will now be out for a long time again – we can barely imagine how he’s feeling. He’ll get all the support he needs from us. He’s a fighter and we look forward to him being back on the pitch. Keep your head up, Hiroki – FC Bayern are on your side".

Bayern backline crisis worsens as Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies also picked up injuries this week while on international duty. This leaves the team with limited options ahead of crucial Champions League fixtures next month.