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| 사진=Bayern munchen.chmp |
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Bayer Leverkusen is on alert.
Leverkusen said on its official website on the 10th (Korea time) "We have to play without Florian Birz. Birtz suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle in a home game against Werder Bremen on the 8th. The diagnosis was made through an MRI examination after the game. Birtz won't be available for the next few weeks," the official announcement said.
Birtz was playing in the game against Bremen when his ankle was badly turned by his opponent's tackle. Birtz was replaced immediately, and his injuries were serious enough to use crutches. The result of the injury diagnosis was also the worst.
Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes said "Birtz's departure is a big hit for us this season but will fill his place with a strong squad. We know Birz. I also know that I will be back as soon as possible. Everyone is rooting for him. We're expecting him to make a full recovery again in the end-of-season game."
With Birz expected to return at the earliest at the end of April, it is virtually an out-of-season injury. Birtz's departure is a variable that can be fatal to the German Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16.
If you look at the league first, defending champion Leverkusen continued to pressure Bayern Munich, which was ranked first, by eight points. It's not a small difference, but the moment Bayern twisted about twice, it was hard to see what the competition would be like.
Birtz was absolutely necessary for Leverkusen's pursuit of Bayern, as Birtz was showing career-high performance with nine goals and 11 assists in the league this season. However, as Birz falls out, Leverkusen creates a big gap. Leverkusen does not have a replacement for Birz.
Leverkusen was also aiming for a miraculous advance to the quarterfinals in the second round of the round of 16 against Bayern on the 12th. Leverkusen was able to advance to the quarterfinals only after winning a big victory of more than three goals at home because it collapsed 0-3 on the road in the first round. It is a very difficult game, but Leverkusen needed to prepare with the best power because it could produce miraculous results. Birtz was the most demanding player for Bayern players, so it was even more important whether he played or not.
It's unfortunate news for Birtz and Leverkusen, but Bayern will be pleased inside. Leverkusen without Birz is no different from Bayern without Harry Kane or Jamal Musiala. Kane's chances of winning a major trophy for the first time in his career have increased as he has become a little more advantageous in his run to the top of the league.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
