For Jamal Musiala, a critical race against time begins at FC Bayern precisely during the most important phase of the season.
Jamal Musiala was in high spirits. Whether in team training, during passing drills with his friend and fellow long-term absentee Alphonso Davies, or at the subsequent autograph session: with a cap, gloves, and a broad grin, FC Bayern’s magical midfielder took the next steps on his challenging path back to top form during public training at Säbener Straße. Hopes for an imminent comeback are high, but time is pressing.
Only six weeks remain until national coach Julian Nagelsmann announces his World Cup squad, and about eight weeks until the start of preparations for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19). Even now, roughly nine months after his severe injury, Musiala is still not fully fit. Nagelsmann recently noted, «He doesn’t have much time left, that’s beyond question.»
Nevertheless, the national coach remains «very hopeful» that Musiala will be in peak condition for Germany’s first World Cup group match on June 14 against Curaçao in Houston. However, for the 23-year-old—assuming no further setbacks—one thing is paramount: match practice. And that, of all times, during Bayern’s most decisive period of the season.
The record champions are currently entirely focused on the Champions League giants’ clash with Real Madrid (April 7 and 15), with the DFB-Pokal semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen also scheduled for April. It currently seems unlikely that Musiala will play a significant role in these matches after his recent forced break due to issues with his previously injured ankle.
Nagelsmann Concerned About Musiala’s World Cup Participation: ‘He Simply Has to Be One Hundred Percent Healthy’
Consequently, Musiala’s focus during these pivotal weeks for Bayern will likely shift primarily to the Bundesliga. Given their comfortable lead over Borussia Dortmund, coach Vincent Kompany can afford to rotate his squad more extensively in the league. This presents an opportunity for Musiala, who had shown improving form before his latest setback in mid-March, to regain his top level.
Sporting director Christoph Freund recently reassured everyone that Musiala is «on a really good path»: «He is stable and looks forward to the next two or three months.» Nobody wants to put pressure on the national player—neither at Bayern nor at the DFB. Both sides have repeatedly emphasized that Musiala is too important for the medium and long-term future.
Yet, Nagelsmann commented after successful test matches against Switzerland (4:3) and Ghana (2:1): «We would all be incredibly happy if he gets fit, is back quickly, and can play in the World Cup. But he simply has to be one hundred percent healthy. If he’s somewhat on track, there are few coaches in the world who would do without him.»