Arturo Vidal Injury: Updates on Bayern Munich Star's Knee and Return

Bayern Munich were without midfielder Arturo Vidal for their Sept. 29 UEFA Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb due to a knee injury.

The club announced his return to the matchday squad for Oct. 4's Bundesliga showdown with Borussia Dortmund, but the Chile international has drawn criticism for being unfit.

Continue for updates.

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Beckenbauer Slams Vidal

Thursday, Oct. 8

"Bayern do not need Vidal," said club legend and honorary president Franz Beckenbauer, per Sky Sports Deutschland (h/t Adam Skinner of the Daily Express). "He is not fit, has played poorly and should not take the field if he is not 100 per cent."

Vidal featured for 22 minutes in the 5-1 demolition of Dortmund. Beckenbauer's words suggest the midfielder faces further time out of the starting XI while he proves himself to club bosses.

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Vidal's Alternative Style Important to Bayern Options

The 28-year-old central midfielder moved to the Allianz Arena from Juventus in July, having spent four seasons as one of the Old Lady's most important players.

Vidal is a bulldozing force as a defensive midfielder who interrupts opposition attacks regularly, and his work rate is second to none.

His ability to contribute creatively also makes him a very effective attacking force. He has already scored once and provided an assist in the Bundesliga this season, per WhoScored.com.

Without him, Bayern play a more measured game. Manager Pep Guardiola should be delighted to have Vidal back, boosting his tactical options for key games to come.