Leon Goretzka's Bayern Munich future in doubt as January approaches

The 29-year-old midfielder had struggled for game time earlier in the season but has featured in the last five matches, largely due to the absence of Joao Palhinha and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

With both Palhinha resuming training and Pavlovic fully recovered from a collarbone injury, Goretzka's position in the starting lineup could soon be under threat.

Bayern's stance on the midfielder remains unchanged, with Sport Bild reporting that the club have no plans for Goretzka's long-term future. The German international's contract runs until 2026, but he may still be offloaded in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Goretzka has repeatedly dismissed rumours of an imminent move, choosing instead to focus on improving his form and securing his place at Bayern. However, with Pavlovic's return and Palhinha's recovery, competition for midfield spots is heating up.

Pavlovic, who made his first appearance since his injury in Bayern's 1-0 DFB-Pokal loss to Bayer Leverkusen, confirmed his full fitness to Bild. "I'm fully fit again. No problems, nothing. I'm happy to be back," he said.

Pavlovic was a key figure in midfield before his injury in October, and he's now eager to reclaim his starting role.

"I'm doing everything I can to get back into the starting eleven. We played well with ten men against Leverkusen, but it was bitter to lose," added Pavlovic.

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