Almost two months after his serious injury, Jamal Musiala has spoken out. The Bayern player talked about his recovery—and when he wants to be back on the pitch.
It was a horrific scene in the quarterfinal of the Club World Cup between FC Bayern and Paris St. Germain (0-2). In a collision with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Jamal Musiala twisted his ankle and suffered a dislocated ankle and a fractured fibula. Musiala is trying to put the experience behind him. “I haven’t even seen the scene on video yet, only photos of it,” the 22-year-old told Sport Bild.
The Bayern player prefers to focus on his comeback. However, it is still unclear exactly when he will be back on the pitch. “I’m taking my time, I don’t want to give a date. But given the progress I’ve made so far, I would say: I want to still be playing competitive games with FC Bayern in 2025,“ Musiala said. ”When I get back on the pitch, I want to be ready.“
In any case, the first steps have been taken, in the truest sense of the word. ”My foot is fine, the healing process is going according to plan. I don’t need crutches anymore,“ Musiala explained, adding that he doesn’t want to ”rush things.“ His words have fallen on receptive ears with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, who visited Musiala at home, as Musiala reports: ”It’s better if I come back in top form at the end of the season – and for the World Cup!”
Watching from the stands “hurts”
FC Bayern has made a successful start to the new season even without Musiala, although the record champions have not been entirely convincing. Ultimately, however, they have three competitive wins from three games to their name. Having to watch the action from the stands “hurts,” Musiala admitted. “I already know that when I can play again, I’ll be doing what I love. That gives me motivation and joy for my rehab work.”
Musiala made it clear immediately after the incident that he holds no grudge against Donnarumma, who is now under contract with Manchester City, and he reiterated this once again. “I can imagine how bad Donnarumma felt at that moment. He went for the ball and didn’t do it on purpose,” Musiala emphasized, saying he was “not angry” with the goalkeeper. Donnarumma contacted him afterwards: “It’s all good, these things happen.”
