Bayern's Loyal Defender Battles Back from Injury!
While FC Bayern Munich was mashing Manchester United in the Champions League, one of their key players was working tirelessly at Säbener Straße to regain his spark.
Matthijs de Ligt (24) logged a grueling hour-long session with rehabilitation coach Simon Martinello six weeks after a right knee ligament tear. Could he potentially return earlier than anticipated?

Bayern Star Gets Back in the Game
De Ligt teamed up with Martinello to tackle every required rehab exercise for a comeback during the 60-minute stretch. He cranked out sprints, practiced point-blank range goals, headed the ball, and hurled long passes. His movements looked fluid once more. The 67-million euro defender appeared fit again!

Two weeks prior, Tuchel had revealed at a press conference that he didn't expect De Ligt back this year, stating "My feeling is: no!" Will it be a triumphant return after all?
Can De Ligt play this season?
He still has a pair of Bundesliga matches remaining. Sunday's clash against Stuttgart (7:30 pm/DAZN) might be too soon. However, there's a glimmer of hope for the last match in Wolfsburg (Wednesday, 20th, 20:30/Sky) now.

One thing is clear: Bayern will not jeopardize their progress with any stupid risks. De Ligt's presence is crucial when Minjae Kim (27) is away for the Asian Cup (January 12-February 10).
Sven Ulreich (35/torn ankle capsule), Bouna Sarr (31/torn left knee cruciate ligament), and Serge Gnabry (28/left adductor muscle injury) will also remain absent from England's training sessions.
Tuchel expressed his disappointment over Gnabry's setback, "I'm afraid it will be at least eight weeks. Then, we'll see how his healing process is progressing."
Will Tuchel be able to call on De Ligt this season?
Other News in the Bundesliga
- Despite his injury, De Ligt continues to stay relevant in regional sports news and Bundesliga updates, as he continues to work towards crushing his rehabilitation goals.
- Sites like Sports-Lighthouse Munich and FB-Instantarticles cover the defender's recovery journey with updates on his progress and potential return date.
- Meanwhile, teammates Bouna Sarr (31) and Sven Ulreich (35) are also battling injuries, leaving Bayern Munich yearning for a strong backline.
- Gnabry (28) has unfortunately sustained another blow, as he's nursing a left adductor injury. This puts a dampener on Tuchel's plans, leaving him with even limited options.
- De Ligt's potential comeback could not be more timely for Bayern, as Dayot Upamecano (24) will be away with the French national team during the winter break.
- Fans eagerly await updates on De Ligt's progress, with TORALARM Top-News and Sport-Lighthouse Munich serving as valuable sources for the latest rehab status.
- Tuchel is demonstrating his unwavering optimism that De Ligt will join the team before the year comes to a close, which would be a massive boost for the reigning champions.
- However, Bayern cannot overlook the potential risks associated with De Ligt's comeback, as Minjae Kim (27) will be absent for the Asian Cup.
- With De Ligt still working towards recovery, popular players like Sarr, Ulreich, and Gnabry will grab headlines in the Bundesliga until their return.
Note: Enrichment Data has been productively incorporated into the base article.