What happened: Josko Gvardiol has spoken candidly about a difficult spell on the sidelines, saying "a lot was going through my mind" during his rehabilitation. He suffered a tibial fracture at the start of 2026 and was out of action for roughly five months. The defender admitted he initially turned down psychological support but now understands how valuable it can be.

Why it matters: The reflections land amid reported interest from Bayern Munich, who have been active in the market this window. Gvardiol's fitness and mental readiness become central questions for any club weighing a move for him ahead of the 2026 season.

What to watch: Watch whether Bayern firm up their interest and how quickly Gvardiol regains full match sharpness as he completes his return from the layoff.