Bayern's Musiala collapses during Leipzig friendly on first comeback appearance

Jamal Musiala collapsed on the pitch during Bayern Munich’s 3-1 Telekom Cup victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, in a distressing setback for the 23-year-old who was making his first appearance back from a serious leg injury.

Vincent Kompany introduced Musiala as a substitute in the closing stages of the friendly, but just 15 minutes into his comeback the German international began to stagger with no opponents near him before falling to the ground. Ismael Saibari was among the first players to reach him, with Bayern’s medical staff quickly following. Musiala had scored to make it 3-1 only three minutes before the incident occurred.

German outlet BILD reported that temperatures of around 33 degrees Celsius in Bavaria caused Musiala to suffer dizziness and circulation problems. After receiving treatment on the pitch, he was able to walk off under his own power.

Bayern chief Max Eberl moved to reassure supporters after the match. “The most important thing is that he is well,” Eberl said. “There’s nothing more to say about anything else.” Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer added: “It will become clear what it was. But of course we are keeping our fingers crossed.”

The collapse is the latest chapter in a difficult stretch for Musiala, who suffered a serious leg injury during last summer’s Club World Cup. He also battled ankle problems throughout the previous season — in which Bayern claimed another Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League semi-finals — and had a metal plate removed from his foot following Germany’s exit from the World Cup. The setbacks forced him to miss pre-season tours in Asia, and he had only just completed his individual rehabilitation programme before returning to the squad on Monday.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise were both absent from the Leipzig match, watching from the stands after being given additional rest following their respective World Cup campaigns.

Bayern are next scheduled to face Heidenheim in a further pre-season fixture before their German Super Cup opener against Borussia Dortmund on 22 August.