Bayern Munich will be without Jamal Musiala for Saturday’s German Supercup against Borussia Dortmund, with the club choosing not to rush the midfielder back after he collapsed during two successive pre-season matches.The decision comes after Musiala revealed earlier this week that he had been diagnosed with “temporary, brief, but easily treatable absence seizures” caused by a neurological dysfunction. Bayern have since explained that the episodes became visible following a change in his medication, and the club is now adjusting his treatment.
Musiala ruled out of Bayern’s first trophy match
According to The Athletic, Bayern have confirmed that Musiala will not be included in the squad for Saturday’s Supercup.Head coach Vincent Kompany said the 23-year-old has been training individually this week as the club works with medical experts and adjusts his treatment.“It’s the first time for the public, so obviously a lot of questions arise,” Kompany said. “We’ve been dealing with it for longer, though. That initial shock was a while ago, since then we’ve been given a lot more information and have made decisions with the help of the best experts.”Kompany added that Musiala has the full support of the club and that Bayern are optimistic about his situation.“Jamal has the support of everyone. Internally we’re at a point where we’re not speaking about it much anymore. We’ve been prepared for it for a long time, have our processes and are very optimistic,” he said.
Medication change linked to the two episodes
Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl explained that Musiala’s two recent collapses occurred after a change to his medication.“He changed something in the medication, which is why the episodes became visible,” Eberl said. “Now we want to get back to where it was before, when these episodes didn’t occur.”“He’s made a huge step forward in his football. He’s showing it in training too. We’re looking forward to when he can show that in matches again. He’s not in the squad for tomorrow. It’s about adapting to the treatment.”
What happened to Musiala?
Musiala collapsed during Bayern’s friendly against RB Leipzig on Saturday after appearing dazed and losing his balance. He was helped safely to the ground by teammates before being attended to by the medical staff.Four days later, he suffered another episode during the friendly against Heidenheim, collapsing just minutes after coming on as a substitute. On both occasions, Bayern’s medical staff immediately attended to him while players from both teams helped shield him from view.Musiala was able to leave the pitch on his own on both occasions, although he appeared disoriented.
Jamal Musiala collapsed mid-game shortly after scoring, with extreme heat reportedly linked to dizziness and circulatory problems/ Image:X
Following the Heidenheim incident, Musiala explained his diagnosis on Instagram.“I’ve been diagnosed with temporary, brief, but easily treatable absence seizures, which are due to a neurological dysfunction,” he wrote.“These can lead to the recent incidents, like the one against Leipzig or now in Heidenheim.”Musiala also sought to reassure supporters about his condition, writing: “I know these things might seem scary at first glance — but for me, they’re currently part of my everyday life. I’m receiving the best medical treatment and am very optimistic. Importantly, there is no further health risk. I have a very good feeling and am on the right track.”Eberl said Musiala himself wanted to explain the situation publicly.“It was Jamal’s wish to communicate it,” Eberl said. “Internally we’ve known about it for longer, including the players. For us it’s become everyday life.”
Bayern take no chances with their key player
Musiala remains one of Bayern’s most important players, with Transfermarkt valuing the 23-year-old at €100 million.His absence is therefore significant as Bayern prepare for their first opportunity to win silverware of the new season. The Supercup brings together last season’s Bundesliga champions Bayern and runners-up Dortmund.Bayern won the Bundesliga for a second consecutive season, while Dortmund finished second.For now, however, Musiala’s return to competitive action will wait. Bayern’s immediate priority is getting his treatment back to the point where the recent episodes no longer occur before considering his return to matches.
