Ismael Saibari undergoes successful ankle surgery as Bayern Munich injury list grows
Bayern Munich’s Morocco international Ismael Saibari has been discharged from hospital after undergoing successful surgery on a serious right-ankle injury. The attacker is now beginning a lengthy recovery, with reports indicating that he could be sidelined for at least three months.
Saibari shared an upbeat update with supporters on Instagram, posting a photograph from his hospital bed and smiling as he described the operation as a success. “Time to get back to training. See you on the pitch as soon as possible,” he wrote. His message offered encouragement, although the road back to competitive football is likely to involve several stages of rehabilitation before he can return to full training.
How Saibari suffered the injury
The injury occurred during Bayern’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening. Saibari went down in the 24th minute after stretching to reach a loose ball and colliding with Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. He immediately appeared to be in significant discomfort and was unable to continue.
Bayern confirmed the diagnosis around 16 hours after the match. The club said Saibari had torn a ligament connecting the tibia and fibula—the two bones in the lower leg that help stabilise the upper part of the ankle joint. Damage in this area can require careful treatment because the ligaments play an important role in supporting the ankle during running, turning and contact.
German newspaper Bild reported that the Morocco international is expected to need a rehabilitation period of no less than three months. The exact return date will depend on how the ankle responds to surgery and the progress he makes through recovery. A typical comeback would involve restoring mobility and strength before progressing to individual ball work, team training and, eventually, match fitness.
Gnabry injury adds to Bayern’s attacking concerns
Saibari was not the only Bayern player to leave the Dortmund match with an injury. Serge Gnabry was forced off in the 31st minute with a tendon problem in his left knee. Bild expects the forward to miss between four and six weeks, leaving the coaching staff with another important attacking option unavailable.
The timing is particularly difficult for Bayern, who are preparing for a Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Saibari and Gnabry join Luis Diaz and Jamal Musiala on the list of unavailable attacking players. Michael Olise is also a concern after leaving the Dortmund game with pain in his right knee, although his status remains uncertain.
For a side balancing domestic and European ambitions, the growing injury list could affect selection, tactical flexibility and the amount of responsibility placed on the remaining forwards. Bayern may need to adjust their attacking shape, use younger squad members or ask players to take on unfamiliar roles while key contributors recover.
Interim coach Aaron Danks faces a demanding test
Bayern will also be without head coach Vincent Kompany on the touchline as he recovers from meningitis. Interim coach Aaron Danks is set to take charge against Atletico, stepping into a high-pressure role during a period when the team is dealing with both a major European fixture and several significant absences.
Atletico’s disciplined defending and ability to punish mistakes make the Champions League contest a demanding assignment. Bayern’s challenge will be to maintain their attacking threat while compensating for the missing players. The team’s depth, decision-making and ability to adapt could prove just as important as its usual attacking quality.
What Saibari’s absence means for Bayern
Saibari’s injury is a setback for the player as well as the club. The Moroccan international will miss a substantial stretch of the season, and his recovery will require patience rather than a rushed return. An ankle ligament injury can affect acceleration, balance and changes of direction—qualities that are central to a forward’s game—so Bayern are likely to monitor his progress closely at each stage.
His positive post-surgery message suggests he is focused on the rehabilitation ahead, but Bayern supporters will be waiting for further updates as the club assesses his recovery. The immediate priority is to help him regain full strength and stability before he resumes the demands of professional football.
Football prediction: Bayern’s meeting with Atletico is difficult to call while the availability of Olise remains unclear and so many attacking players are missing. Bayern’s home advantage and squad quality could still make them dangerous, but Atletico’s organisation may limit clear chances. The outcome will likely depend on whether the interim coaching staff can find an effective attacking balance and protect the team during transitions.
For now, Bayern must manage a demanding run of fixtures without several important players. Saibari’s successful operation is encouraging news, but his expected three-month absence and Gnabry’s knee problem underline the scale of the challenge facing the club in the weeks ahead.
