Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 6:00 PM• Mart Oude Nijeweeme • Last update: 18:06

Joshua Kimmich has tested positive for the coronavirus, reports BILD Thursday afternoon. The Bayern Munich defender, who has not been vaccinated, was already in isolation after coming into contact with an infected person, but has now also tested positive himself, according to the German tabloid. The vaccination issue has been a concern at Bayern for some time now. After all the commotion, the German record champion decided not to pay five unvaccinated players during mandatory quarantine.

BILD says he is relying on two sources, but indicates that the news has not been confirmed by the club. If Kimmich actually tests positive, he will have to be in mandatory isolation for the next fourteen days. In that case, he will have to miss the December 4 smasher against Borussia Dortmund. The aforementioned newspaper announced at the end of October that Kimmich is one of the unvaccinated players in the Bayern selection. “Because I want to wait when it comes to long-term studies,” he said at the time sky. “I am aware of my responsibility. Of course I adhere to the hygiene measures.”

Since then, the issue has been the subject of discussion. Kimmich had to leave the camp of the German national team after a positive test with teammate Niklas Süle and missed the lost away game against 1. FC Augsburg last Friday due to a second quarantine. He also had to miss the Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday. The club responded by not paying him a salary to the other unvaccinated players. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also tested according to BILD positive and has symptoms. Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala are said to have been vaccinated by now, according to kicker.

Kimmich would also seriously consider a vaccination. The wing defender spoke with national coach Hansi Flick during a media meeting with the German Football Association. “Yeah, I assume he’s getting vaccinated,” Flick said. “I think it’s going that way. We’ve talked and I think it was a really good conversation. I see a trend in him. But we’ll have to wait and see.” At the same time, the trainer took his pupil under protection. “Kimmich is not responsible for the high number of infections. I do not think it is good that he is pilloried in this way. It is not easy to deal with something like that.”

Last Thursday, the unvaccinated quintet of Bayern was told that they would no longer receive a salary in quarantine. The board of the club is also considering not allowing the unvaccinated players to train with the group of vaccinated players from now on. The reactions among the five players were according to The Athletic mixed. Some have accepted the club’s decision, while others are considering legal action. The labor law was amended in Germany on November 1, which means that Bayern is within its rights, according to the sports medium.