Munich, December 14 (BNA): Bayern Munich Julian Nagelsmann has welcomed Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich’s decision to get vaccinated with the coronavirus and to speak publicly about his feelings.
“He took charge,” Nagelsmann told reporters on the eve of Tuesday’s Bundesliga match at Stuttgart. “It’s good that he spoke, that he spoke a little about his feelings and thoughts.”
Kimmich confirmed in October that he had yet to receive a jab due to some concerns about the long-term effects that have sparked a major controversy within football and the country, according to the dpa.
He last played on November 6, then was quarantined twice for coming into contact with infected people and then contracting the same virus. His test result has now come back negative, but he has not been fully fit and will not play again this year.
But in an interview with ZDF radio station broadcast on Sunday, he said he would get the vaccination – likely within a few months because he is currently considered to have recovered and does not need an injection right away – and that he regrets not doing so at such an early stage.
“In hindsight I would have made the decision to vaccinate earlier but it was not possible for me at that time,” he said. “It was generally difficult for me to deal with my fears and fears, which is why I was hesitating for so long.”
Due to some after-effects of the infection, Kimmich remains sidelined and Nagelsmann has other issues with Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman dounbtful alongside young Jamal Musiala.
“Jamal Musiala broke his metacarpal bone, so he needs a splint. We’ll have to wait and see and then decide how to deal with it. He can theoretically play, but we’ll wait and see,” Nagelsmann said.
Bayern are six points behind the lead with two games remaining in the first half of the season and need only one point in Stuttgart to win the unofficial autumn title.