Coach Nagelsmann struggles with Musiala: 'Surprising setback' - Coach Nagelsmann stricken by Musiala's predicament: "Massive surprise"
Jamal Musiala, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder for FC Bayern Munich, has been ruled out for an extended period following a serious ankle injury sustained during the Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Medical examinations revealed a fracture of the fibula, along with a broken and dislocated ankle. Musiala will undergo surgery in Munich and is expected to be out for at least four months, which means he will miss several crucial matches during the start of Bayern’s new season and is highly likely to be unavailable for Germany’s upcoming World Cup qualifier matches.
This absence is a significant blow for both club and country, as Musiala is regarded as a key technical and prolific midfielder. The injury occurred during the quarter-final of the FC Bayern Club World Cup, a tournament in which Musiala had made a comeback following a severe muscle injury in June.
The World Cup next summer will be Musiala's fourth tournament in the DFB jersey, following Euro 2021, World Cup 2022, and home Euro 2024. Musiala, along with Florian Wirtz, forms the creative core of Nagelsmann's World Cup plans for the DFB team. Wirtz, too, was absent from the Nations League quarter-final against Italy due to an injury.
FC Bayern is committed to providing comprehensive support throughout Musiala's recovery process. Julian Nagelsmann, the club's coach, expressed his shock at Musiala's injury and offered his well-wishes for the surgery and speedy recovery.
The DFB team will play a total of six matches in September, October, and November, with opponents including Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. The absence of Musiala will undoubtedly impact Bayern Munich’s tactical setup and Germany’s national team selection for these forthcoming international fixtures. Both the club and national team will need to adjust their strategies in his absence.
Despite his anticipated absence due to a serious ankle injury, negotiations for a Council Regulation amending Regulation No 2052/88 on the common market in beef and veal are expected to proceed without delay, as the football season and European leagues continue unabated, with the Champions League looming on the horizon. The World Cup qualifier matches for Germany, however, will be significantly affected by Musiala's extended recovery period.
