Bayern Munich midfielder eyeing return to action in January | OneFootball

Vincent Kompany welcomed Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies back into the line-up when Bayern Munich hosted RB Leipzig on Friday. Kane has been out for three weeks due to a hamstring injury, while Davies was sidelined for two weeks due to a muscle injury. It was a respite for the Bavarian faithful to see both players return to the team. They played a key role in the comfortable 5-1 win against Leipzig.

Despite the return of Kane and Davies, Bayern still have several players on the sidelines due to injury. João Palhinha was one of the players watching Bayern from the sidelines against RB Leipzig on Friday. The Portuguese midfielder suffered a serious muscle injury during the international break in November.

Palhinha's injury came at the worst possible time, as he was steadily cementing his place in the starting XI. The Portuguese midfielder had formed a good partnership with Joshua Kimmich in the center of the park.

It has been a frustrating few weeks for Palhinha, but the road to recovery is coming to an end. While talking to Sky Sports in Germany on Friday, the 29-year-old midfielder revealed that a return to action after the winter break is looking likely for him.

Despite a challenging start to the season, Palhinha also admitted that he has thoroughly enjoyed his first six months in Munich. The Portuguese midfielder admitted that his family feels at ease in the new city. Palhinha is proud to be part of such a big club.

Palhinha will face stiff competition for game time after returning from injury

Kompany has been fortunate with the way other players have stepped up in the absence of injured players over the last few weeks. When Palhinha got injured, Leon Goretzka started games regularly in the center of the park. The German midfielder repaid the faith of Kompany by delivering good performances.

Goretzka has managed to break into Kompany’s plans over the last few weeks. It is a testament to his quality performances that he was given the opportunity to start against RB Leipzig on Friday ahead of Aleksandar Pavlović.

Palhinha will face significant competition for game time when he returns from injury. Joshua Kimmich is a certain starter for Die Roten in the midfield. Goretzka and Pavlović are in fine form. The German midfielders and Palhinha are competing to play with Kimmich. Palhinha will have to make the most of his opportunities to get an extended run in the starting XI.

Since Bayern will play big Champions League games during the second half of the season, they will need Palhinha to step up and provide solidity in the center of the park.

Bayern will resume competitive football in the Bundesliga on January 11 against Borussia Monchengladbach.