Joshua Kimmich confirms he won’t play until 2022 due to lung infection

Kimmich tested positive for covid-19 two weeks ago

Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich has confirmed he won't play again for the rest of the year due to a lung infection he has suffered after testing positive for coronavirus two weeks ago. The midfielder has been in self-isolation - which ended on Wednesday (8 December) but revealed he has now suffered a setback in his return to the pitch. In a statement on Bayern's official website, Kimmich confirmed the news that he wouldn't play until after the winter break. He said: "I'm happy my self-isolation caused by the coronavirus has ended. I'm doing very well, but I'm not yet able to train fully due to slight infiltrations in my lungs. "I'll therefore do some rehabilitative training and can't wait to be fully back in action in January." The 26-year-old made headlines back in October after confirming he hadn't received his vaccinations against coronavirus due to reservations he had over the vaccines, with his stance heavily criticised by public health experts and several other influential figures. Despite his reluctance to get the vaccine, Kimmich has insisted that he isn't an anti-vaxxer, with the German previously saying: "I have concerns about the lack of long-term studies.

"I am of course aware of my responsibility. I follow all hygiene measures and get tested every two to three days. Everyone should make the decision for themselves."

The Bundesliga champions have taken a heavy stance on their playing staff who have yet to receive the vaccine, taking a cut from their salary after they were forced to self-isolate following a positive covid test. Kimmich was one of the five, with another of the individuals, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting currently still in hospital 'battling symptoms' with the former Stoke City striker also unlikely to return until the new year. Related links:

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