It was a disappointing weekend for Bayern Munich. They were knocked out of the Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final. However, defeat was not the worst outcome of this game for Bayern. They have effectively lost Jamal Musiala for several months due to a serious injury.
Musiala and Gianluigi Donnarumma were involved in a collision at the end of the first half. The German star faced the damaging consequences of this collision. He has fractured his fibula due to ankle dislocation on Saturday.
Bayern have confirmed that Musiala will be out for a lengthy time due to this injury. The German star will undergo surgery to repair the damage. It looks certain that he will miss the first half of next season. According to Bild and Sky Sports in Germany, Musiala will likely be out of action for four months. Considering the severity of the injury, Bayern should cautiously handle his return to avoid further setbacks.
Musiala had just returned from a muscle injury that kept him out since the start of April. It is an unfortunate and disastrous situation for the young attacking midfielder.
Apart from Musiala, Josip Stanisic also suffered an injury against Paris Saint-Germain. The Croatian defender's injury is not likely to be as serious as Musiala's. Bayern are yet to give an update on Stanisic's injury, but he is expected to be back by the time players return for pre-season training later this month.
Musiala's injury is significant blow to Kompany's plans for next season
The injury to Musiala disrupted Bayern’s momentum in the game against PSG. His injury has also hampered Vincent Kompany’s plans for next season. The German star is one of the first names on the team sheet for Kompany, but the Belgian coach will have to find a way to cope with his absence.
Musiala’s injury will also test Kompany’s tactical flexibility and Bayern’s capability of finding solutions in the transfer market to offset his absence in the first half of the season. Even if Musiala returns in the Ruckrunde, Bayern will have to carefully integrate him back into the starting XI. The German star will also need some time to get back to his best.
Bayern are already without Alphonso Davies until November. Musiala’s injury on Saturday meant Die Roten will be without two key players from their starting XI for big chunks of next season. It is going to be a test of the coaching staff and executives to make sure Die Roten cope well and compete on all fronts next season.