Bayern Munich have confirmed another setback in their defensive unit after centre-back Hiroki Ito suffered a muscle strain in his right hamstring. The Japan international will be unavailable “for the time being,” and Bayern expect him to miss two to three weeks of action.

It’s frustrating timing for both player and club. Bayern are entering a demanding phase of the season, and Ito’s injury immediately rules him out of a major domestic test away to Borussia Dortmund. The knock also puts him in doubt for Bayern’s upcoming Champions League round-of-16 tie against Atalanta in March.

What Bayern Have Said About Ito’s Injury

Bayern’s medical checks confirmed the issue as a muscle strain in Ito’s right hamstring. The club did not attach an exact return date, but sporting director Christoph Freund has indicated the defender should be out for two to three weeks.

That window is significant. In top-level football, a “few weeks” can cover several decisive matches, especially when Bundesliga fixtures come thick and fast and European ties are squeezed into the calendar. Even if Ito recovers on schedule, match sharpness and re-integration can still be a factor.

Why This Is a Big Problem Before Dortmund

Trips to Dortmund are never routine. They’re emotional, intense, and often shaped by small moments. Bayern typically rely on experience at the back to manage the chaos of Der Klassiker. Losing a defender right before such a fixture forces adjustments  and it reduces flexibility if Bayern need to change shape during the match.

For the coaching staff, it’s also about managing minutes. If one defender drops out, others must carry a heavier load. Over time, that increases injury risk elsewhere  the last thing Bayern want at this stage of the season.

Champions League Doubt Adds Pressure

The bigger worry is Europe. Bayern’s Champions League showdown with Atalanta is coming in March, and Ito’s timeline makes his availability uncertain.

Atalanta are known for their energy and aggressive style. They press, they overload wide areas, and they punish hesitation. Bayern will want as many defensive options as possible for that kind of tie. Even if Ito returns close to the first leg, Bayern would still need to decide whether he is ready to start at full intensity.

A Tough Bayern Chapter for Ito

The most painful part of this update is how familiar it feels for Ito. Since joining Bayern from Stuttgart in 2024, he has battled a series of injuries that have repeatedly interrupted his rhythm and momentum.

He previously faced serious foot problems, including a metatarsal injury that required surgery and kept him out for extended periods. At one point, he even suffered a recurrence  breaking the same metatarsal again shortly after returning  a brutal blow for any player trying to settle into a new club.

That context matters because footballers don’t just recover physically. They have to rebuild trust in their body, reset mentally, and get back to top speed. A hamstring strain is different from a foot fracture, but it’s still an injury that demands caution. Rushing back is how setbacks happen.

What Bayern Can Do Now

In the short term, Bayern will lean on squad depth and experience. Coaches usually respond to injuries like this in one of two ways: they either replace like-for-like, or they tweak the system to protect the defence.

The good news for Bayern is that the club remains confident Ito’s injury is not long-term. Two to three weeks is manageable  if there are no complications.

Still, the timing is cruel. Bayern are chasing major goals domestically and in Europe. Injuries rarely arrive at a “good” time, but losing defenders before Dortmund and ahead of a Champions League knockout tie is about as inconvenient as it gets.

What to Watch Over the Next Two Weeks

The next updates will likely focus on two things: how Ito responds to treatment, and how Bayern manage the defensive rotation around him. If Bayern can navigate Dortmund and the surrounding fixtures without picking up more issues, the impact of Ito’s absence becomes smaller.

But if more problems stack up, Bayern could find themselves forced into uncomfortable solutions. That’s why the medical team’s approach will be cautious, even if the player is desperate to return quickly.