Bayern Munich Open Season Without Musiala, Expecting Quick Return
Bayern Munich step into the new campaign on Saturday under the floodlights and under scrutiny. The Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund is more than a ceremonial curtain-raiser; it is Vincent Kompany’s first real test, against the club’s fiercest domestic rival, with a fanbase demanding a statement.
They will have to make it without one of their brightest lights.
Musiala sidelined for Super Cup after collapses
Jamal Musiala will not feature against Dortmund. Bayern are taking no risks after the 23-year-old collapsed twice in four days during pre-season, in games against RB Leipzig and Heidenheim.
The scenes were alarming. Musiala later explained on social media that a minor neurological issue caused the incidents, stressing that it does not threaten his career or his long-term ability to play for Bayern. The club, though, has drawn a clear line: no Super Cup, no gamble.
At Sabener Strasse, the response has been controlled rather than panicked. Musiala has already resumed individual training, working under the close eye of medical staff and coaches. The aim is simple—reset, stabilise, and have him ready when the real grind begins.
Bayern target Bundesliga return against Stuttgart
Inside the club, optimism is strong. Bayern expect Musiala to be fit for the Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart next Friday. That is the internal target and, at this stage, the plan.
Sporting director Max Eberl and head coach Vincent Kompany used their pre–Super Cup press conference to put the situation into context. Bayern have known about Musiala’s neurological condition for more than a year. It is not a new discovery. What triggered the recent problems, they explained, was a change in medication and its side effects.
The solution is straightforward: Musiala is set to return to the previous medication that had been working for him. Bayern are backing him fully, convinced the issue can be managed and that he can still deliver a big season.
Inside the dressing room, the topic is not dominating conversation. Team-mates have publicly rallied around him, but this is not a shock revelation to the squad. They have been aware of his condition for some time and treat it as part of the landscape, not a looming crisis.
A year of frustration Bayern hope is behind him
Musiala’s last 12 months have already tested his resilience. A serious injury against PSG in the Club World Cup last summer ruled him out for more than seven months. By the time he returned, the season had moved on without him, and he needed time to rediscover rhythm, sharpness, and confidence.
This campaign was supposed to be the reset. A clean slate, a full pre-season, and a central role under a new coach. The collapses threatened to derail that narrative, but Bayern’s stance is clear: they still expect him to be a key figure, and they still believe this can be the year he reclaims his best form.
For a club that builds its attack around creative sparks, a fully firing Musiala is not a luxury. He is a necessity.
Kompany’s first big night already tests Bayern’s depth
Kompany’s first competitive game already exposes the depth chart. Along with Musiala, Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry will also miss the Super Cup against Dortmund as they continue their recoveries from injury.
So Bayern go into a showcase clash without three attacking options, against a rival desperate to spoil their evening and their new era before it properly begins.
The stage is set in Dortmund. The spotlight, for one night, moves away from Musiala’s condition and back onto the pitch. The real question now: when the Bundesliga kicks off next week, will Bayern’s No. 42 be ready to turn concern into comeback?
