Musiala Returns to Bayern Squad After Neurological Scare
Bayern Munich head to the Veltins-Arena this weekend with a familiar name back on the teamsheet – and a significant weight lifted from the club’s shoulders.
Jamal Musiala has been included in the travelling squad for Saturday’s Bundesliga trip to Schalke 04, Sky Germany reported, a major step in his return after a deeply worrying summer. The 23-year-old has yet to play a competitive minute this season, sidelined for Bayern’s opening three league fixtures while undergoing medical checks and tailored training.
Kompany ready to unleash his playmaker – carefully
Speaking on Friday, the Bayern coach confirmed Musiala is on the brink of a full competitive comeback, but insisted the final call rests on how he comes through the team’s last training session.
“He’s had a good, full week of training. Things are looking up for him, he’s doing well,” Kompany said, underlining the club’s cautious approach. “We’ve already explained how we’re handling this. Jamal is in a good phase right now. We’ve been dealing with the situation for a while now.”
The message was clear: Bayern will not rush him.
“We’ll see how he is in training today and then make the decision that’s best for Jamal and the team,” Kompany added. “Today we will make a decision with Jamal with regards to how he handles the training session.”
One attacking option definitely off the table is Serge Gnabry. The winger will miss the Schalke clash, with Kompany expressing hope he can return the following week. “The main priority is that he feels well,” the Belgian stressed.
From collapse to clarity
Musiala’s name back on a squad list would have felt routine a year ago. This time, it carries a very different weight.
During the summer, the attacking midfielder twice collapsed on the pitch – first in a friendly against 1. FC Heidenheim, and previously during a Telekom Cup match against RB Leipzig. The scenes stunned the football world and sparked intense scrutiny of his health.
Musiala later addressed the issue himself, explaining he had been diagnosed with brief, temporary but easily treatable episodes of absence caused by a neurological dysfunction. It was a frightening label for a young star at the peak of his career, but it also brought clarity and a plan.
Kompany has worked hard to strip away the drama around the diagnosis. He has repeatedly underlined that Bayern’s medical department is fully prepared for any future episodes and has tried to frame the condition as something the club can manage, not a cloud hanging over Musiala’s career.
In a recent briefing, the former Burnley manager even said it would not be “a big deal” if Musiala were to collapse again as he adapts to the condition.
“If it does happen again in 40, 50, 60 days’ time or in 40, 50, 60 games’ time, then it’s no longer a big deal for us,” Kompany said. “We know how to deal with it and some stage he’s just going to be a totally normal athlete again.”
The intent is obvious: remove the fear, remove the stigma, and let one of Europe’s brightest talents play.
Bayern eye congested calendar with key man back
Musiala’s return could not be better timed for Bayern. The season is about to tighten. The Bundesliga schedule is already gathering pace and European commitments are kicking in.
The playmaker was officially named in Bayern’s Champions League squad for Thursday’s game against Bodo/Glimt, underlining the club’s belief that he is ready to be reintegrated at the highest level.
For Kompany, having a fully available Musiala is about more than just star power. His presence unlocks tactical options, gives Bayern a different rhythm between the lines, and offers creativity in games that threaten to grind.
Bayern have started the 2026–27 campaign with momentum. Now their most gifted technician is stepping back into the arena. How quickly he can turn careful minutes into decisive performances may say plenty about where this season is heading.
