Bayern Munich regroups as Musiala injury forces rethink

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich's squad departed for various destinations on Monday following their return from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. While most players are enjoying a well-earned three-week break, the outlook is very different for Jamal Musiala - and for club officials including sporting director Christoph Freund and board member for sport Max Eberl.

The 22-year-old attacker traveled with Bayern's medical staff to a specialist clinic in Murnau, 70 miles south of Munich in the Bavarian Alps. There, Dr Fabian Stuby is overseeing treatment for the complicated fibula fracture and ankle injury Musiala suffered in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

While Bayern confirmed the nature of the injury, the recovery timeline remains unclear, though it is expected to be at least six months.

Musiala's absence adds to a growing concern over Bayern's attacking depth, following the departure of veteran Thomas Muller, as well as Mathys Tel (Tottenham), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray) and Eric Dier (Monaco). The club's failure to score in the decisive stages of both the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup - both of which ended with quarterfinal exits - has only heightened tension in Munich.

Transfer frustrations are mounting. Failed pursuits of Florian Wirtz and Nico Williams have put Eberl under pressure, with German media suggesting his position may depend on delivering results in the current window.

Musiala's injury has reportedly accelerated Bayern's interest in Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade, though the two clubs remain far apart in valuation. Stuttgart want 80 million euros, while Bayern are said to be offering no more than 50 million.

Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann is also affected, as he will need to navigate the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers without one of his squad's brightest talents.

Meanwhile, Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany faces a tough task to prepare for the new season. Despite winning the 2024/25 Bundesliga title, Bayern's Champions League record has been underwhelming. According to magazine Kicker, tensions are rising over a perceived lack of elite talent and a failure to execute a coherent recruitment strategy.

Eberl described Musiala's injury as a "shock-like" blow, and the current transfer window offers little margin for error. Reports suggest Bayern are considering a move for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, as both fans and the club's powerful supervisory board await signs of progress. Enditem