Paul Wanner has suffered an ankle injury in Bayern Munich’s friendly against Tottenham Hotspur. The 19-year-old will be sidelined for the time being.
Bayern Munich’s preparations for the upcoming Bundesliga season have been dealt a minor yet frustrating setback with confirmation that highly rated midfielder Paul Wanner has picked up an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly.
The 19-year-old suffered the knock during the mid-week 4-0 victory over Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur, a match that was expected to give him valuable minutes and a chance to strengthen his case for a regular place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Wanner was introduced in the 67th minute as a replacement for Michael Olise, and his impact was immediate. He was heavily involved in the build-up to Bayern’s fourth goal, scored by teenage striker Jonah Kusi-Asare, which sealed an emphatic win. The young midfielder completed the game and showed no obvious signs of distress at the final whistle, leading many to believe his pre-season progress was on track. However, two days later, Bayern’s medical team confirmed the player had sustained a “minor ligament injury” to his left ankle during the match.
In a short statement on Saturday afternoon, the German champions did not provide a precise timeline for his return, merely noting that Wanner will be “unavailable for the club for the time being.” Such caution is not unusual at Bayern, especially when dealing with developing players, as the club is keen to prevent minor problems from becoming chronic issues.
The injury comes at a pivotal moment in Wanner’s career. A product of Bayern’s prestigious youth academy, he returned to Munich this summer following a season-long loan at 1. FC Heidenheim, where he gained valuable first-team experience. The midfielder had been the subject of considerable transfer speculation during the off-season, with several Bundesliga clubs including VfB Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, and Hamburger SV expressing interest in securing him on loan. Abroad, PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Mönchengladbach also monitored his situation closely. Despite the interest, Bayern opted to keep the youngster, assigning him the number 24 shirt for the upcoming campaign.
That decision was influenced in part by the club’s current midfield situation. With Jamal Musiala expected to miss much of the first half of the season due to injury, and with the club’s pursuit of striker Nick Woltemade reportedly falling through, Wanner’s attacking midfield versatility positioned him as a potentially key option in Tuchel’s rotation. Sporting director Max Eberl had publicly called this period a “huge opportunity” for Wanner to cement his place in the squad words that seemed to hint at increased playing time in both the Bundesliga and domestic cup competitions.
Unfortunately, this latest setback may delay his momentum. While the injury is not believed to be severe, ankle ligament issues can be delicate, especially for players whose game relies on agility, close control, and sharp changes of direction. Wanner’s technical style marked by quick bursts of acceleration, tight ball control, and an eye for progressive passes means his recovery must be managed carefully to preserve his mobility and confidence on the ball.
For Bayern, Wanner’s absence forces a slight tactical rethink during pre-season. The team had been experimenting with a fluid attacking setup, integrating young players into competitive environments alongside senior stars such as Thomas Müller, Leroy Sané, and Serge Gnabry. With Musiala sidelined, Wanner was expected to compete directly for minutes in the advanced central role, sometimes drifting wide or tucking into pockets between the lines. Without him, Tuchel may need to rely more heavily on Müller’s experience or push Leon Goretzka further forward, potentially altering the balance of the midfield.
This interruption also comes at a time when Bayern are balancing the dual goals of short-term competitiveness and long-term squad development. Wanner’s rise is seen by many within the club as a symbol of the academy’s continued ability to produce first-team calibre talent, a priority in an era of spiralling transfer fees. His performances at youth level for Germany where he has consistently impressed with creativity and composure have only heightened expectations.
While there is no indication that his injury will keep him out for an extended period, the timing is less than ideal. Pre-season is when young players have the greatest chance to impress coaching staff, adapt to tactical demands, and build chemistry with teammates. Missing even a few weeks could slow his integration and potentially influence Bayern’s final decisions regarding loan deals or squad selection.
Still, Wanner’s potential remains undiminished. At just 19, he has already shown flashes of maturity beyond his years, and Bayern’s decision to hold onto him despite considerable interest suggests they see him as an important part of their medium-term plans. If his recovery progresses smoothly, he could still play a meaningful role in the opening stages of the season, particularly in domestic fixtures and rotation-heavy games.
For now, Bayern’s medical team will focus on ensuring that when Wanner returns, he is in peak condition to make the most of what Eberl has described as a rare and valuable opportunity. Given the competition for places in Bayern’s midfield, every minute will count and the young German will be determined not to let this minor setback derail what could be a breakthrough season.
