Bayern’s Jamal Musiala Out for Months After Suffering Broken Fibula in Club World Cup
Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala faces an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a broken fibula and ankle dislocation during Saturday’s Club World Cup quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta.
The 22-year-old Germany international was injured following a rough challenge from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, which led to Bayern’s 2-0 exit from the tournament. While Bayern coach Vincent Kompany labeled the incident an “accident,” veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was more critical, calling Donnarumma’s tackle “reckless” and avoidable.
Musiala, who had recently returned from a hamstring injury, was immediately flown back to Munich on Sunday and will undergo surgery, Bayern confirmed in an official statement.
“This serious injury and the lengthy lay-off are a real shock for Jamal and all of us. Everyone knows how important he is to our game,” said Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl.
“We’ll support him intensively and look forward to his return.”
According to German media reports, Musiala is expected to be out for four to five months, with a possible return before the end of 2025.
This latest setback comes just weeks after Musiala returned to action. He had missed Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan due to a torn hamstring and was also absent from Germany’s Nations League squad in early June.
Impact on Club and Country
Musiala’s injury deals a major blow to both Bayern Munich’s domestic campaign and Germany’s 2026 World Cup qualifying hopes, which kick off in September. The midfielder had marked his return to fitness with a hat-trick off the bench in Bayern’s 10-0 demolition of Auckland City earlier in the Club World Cup.
Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his dismay:
“Jamal’s injury is a big shock, especially given his recent recovery. We wish him a speedy and successful operation.”
The Club World Cup injury has also reignited concerns about player safety, especially with Neuer publicly questioning Donnarumma’s decision-making.
“That kind of challenge wasn’t necessary. It was reckless and put a colleague at serious risk,” said Neuer.
Bayern fans, teammates, and the football world will now be watching closely as Musiala begins another long road to recovery.
