Confirmed: Kimmich exits quarantine
A negative COVID test on Wednesday means that German national team midfielder Joshua Kimmich will finally be able to rejoin his club team on Thursday.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed that Joshua Kimmich has been cleared to exit quarantine. The FCB chief personnel executive conveyed this information whilst speaking to German broadcaster DAZN prior to kickoff in Wednesday evening's Champions League fixture.
"His quarantine ends tonight," Salihamidzic told his interviewer, "I know Jo and, of course, he will give everything to come back quickly. But we still have to be reasonable."
When speaking about Kimmich last week, FCB trainer Julian Nagelsmann indicated that he wanted to gradually ease Kimmich back into the team. Vaccinated professionals who must quarantine after returning a positive test can generally rejoin the team straight away, provided they experienced an asymptomatic infection.
For the notoriously unvaccinated Kimmich, however, there are health protocols that recommend a more gradual reintroduction. Presumably, the 25-year-old did experience some symptoms and may not be in the best physical shape.
Salihamidzic also provided an update on the club's other positive case, back-up lead-striker Eric Maxim Choupo Moting. The 32-year-old was released from quarantine a few days ago, but is apparently still suffering the after-effects of his infection.
According to Salihamidzic, the Cameroon international would not be available to rejoin team training until next week.