Jamal Musiala to miss Bayern Munich's Bundesliga opener against Stuttgart
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jamal Musiala will not feature in Bayern Munich's Bundesliga campaign opener against Stuttgart, with the German midfielder sidelined as he continues to recover from a neurological condition causing temporary absence seizures. The 22-year-old has suffered two fainting episodes during pre-season matches and will be given additional rest and monitoring before returning to competitive action.
Two Fainting Episodes in Three Days
Musiala first collapsed on the pitch on 15 August during a pre-season friendly against Leipzig. Just three days later, he suffered a near-identical episode during the match against Heidenheim. According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, the midfielder will miss the start of the 2025-26 Bundesliga season due to ongoing rehabilitation and medical monitoring. He had already been absent from the German Super Cup, and his return date remains unknown.
Musiala Addresses Fans Directly
Following his second episode, Musiala broke his silence through an Instagram post, reassuring supporters about his condition. 'First of all, I am fine,' the German international said. 'And I am especially grateful for all your messages and support. I understand that many of you feel worried. Today I would like to reassure you and explain the situation a little.'
He went on to describe his diagnosis directly: 'My condition has been diagnosed as short and temporary absence seizures, but they are easily treatable and are caused by a neurological disorder. This condition can lead to the incidents that occurred recently, such as what happened against Leipzig and now in Heidenheim.'
No Long-Term Health Risk, Club Fully Supportive
Musiala was emphatic that the condition poses no lasting danger. 'The important thing is that there is no health risk beyond that,' he said, adding that in close coordination with neurological specialists, it has been his personal wish to return to everyday life and football as part of his recovery. 'Overall, I feel pretty good, and I am on a good track,' he wrote.
Bayern Munich have backed the player fully, allowing him to manage his recovery on his own terms and in consultation with medical experts.
A Difficult Stretch for Musiala
This latest setback follows a gruelling 2024-25 campaign for the attacking midfielder. Musiala was sidelined for six months last season after fracturing an ankle at the Club World Cup, but recovered to return later in the campaign and represented Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has made 231 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions. Notably, this marks the second significant injury or health disruption in successive seasons for one of European football's most coveted young talents.
What Happens Next
Bayern Munich's medical staff and external neurological specialists are jointly overseeing Musiala's recovery. No specific return timeline has been communicated by the club. With the Bundesliga season underway and Stuttgart presenting a stern early test, Bayern will need to manage without one of their most creative attacking options until further notice.