Bayern Munich has confirmed that Moroccan international Ismael Saibari suffered a serious ankle injury during Saturday's 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. The midfielder was forced off after appearing to twist his right ankle during the encounter at the Allianz Arena on October 31. He received medical attention on the pitch before leaving the field, with the severity of the injury becoming apparent when he was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, Bayern confirmed that Saibari had suffered a tear of the syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle joint. The German club also announced that the Moroccan international had already undergone successful surgery. The club stated, "Saibari and Gnabry will be missing from FC Bayern for the time being," without providing a specific recovery timeline.
According to German newspaper Bild, Saibari is expected to remain sidelined for at least three months. This would represent a significant setback for the midfielder, who now faces an extended rehabilitation period before returning to competitive action. The injury occurred during a difficult evening for Bayern, who were unable to secure all three points against their Bundesliga rivals.
The encounter ended 2-2, with both sides sharing the points after an intense contest at the Allianz Arena. The Moroccan midfielder was not the only Bayern player to suffer an injury during the match. German winger Serge Gnabry was substituted just two minutes after Saibari's departure, adding to the home side's concerns.
Bayern subsequently confirmed that Gnabry had sustained a muscle injury in the posterior part of his left thigh. French playmaker Michael Olise also appeared to suffer a muscle problem late in the encounter, although the club's statement specifically addressed the injuries to Saibari and Gnabry.
The situation leaves Bayern dealing with several fitness concerns following their meeting with Dortmund, with the club yet to establish precise return dates for the affected players. The injury comes as a major disappointment for Saibari as he faces a lengthy spell away from the pitch. His recovery will now depend on his progress following surgery and the medical team's assessment of his condition throughout rehabilitation.
The absence could also affect Morocco's plans, as the national team continues preparing for its upcoming international commitments. However, the exact duration of Saibari's recovery remains uncertain, with Bayern yet to officially confirm the three-month estimate reported by Bild. The priority will be now on the midfielder's recovery, with Bayern expected to monitor his rehabilitation before determining when he can return to training and competitive football.
Key points
- Ismael Saibari faces a three-month absence due to an ankle injury.
- Saibari has undergone successful surgery for a tear of the syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle joint.
- The injury occurred during Bayern Munich's 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
