Jamal Musiala faces late fitness decision for Bayern Munich’s Schalke trip

Vincent Kompany will wait until the final training session before deciding whether Jamal Musiala is ready to return for Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga match at Schalke 04 on Saturday.

Musiala has not played in any of Bayern’s first three competitive fixtures this season after twice collapsing during pre-season. The episodes were linked to absence seizures caused by a neurological condition.

The 23-year-old has now resumed full training with the squad and completed a positive week of work. However, Bayern head coach Kompany says Musiala’s readiness will be assessed again before the club decides whether he can feature at the Veltins-Arena.

“He’s had a good and full week of training. He’s doing well,” Kompany said at his pre-match press conference.

Musiala’s progress has been managed carefully since the incidents, with Bayern taking a cautious approach to his return. Kompany said the club had been handling the situation for longer than had been known publicly and stressed that the priority remained the player’s welfare.

“We’ve already stated how we’ll handle him. Jamal is in a good spell. We’ve been dealing with the situation for longer than the public know.”

A final decision will be made after Musiala takes part in training on Friday. Kompany said the choice would be based on what is best for both the player and the team, rather than on the need to bring him back into the squad quickly.

“We’ll see in training today and will then make a decision that’s the best for Jamal and the team,” the Bayern coach said.

The Belgium-born manager also made clear that Musiala would only be selected if he was able to perform at the level expected in a competitive match. There remain no concerns about his ability to do so once he is ready to return.

“He needs to be able to play and perform properly. He’s got no problems there,” Kompany said.

Bayern will be without Serge Gnabry for the trip to Schalke. The forward is continuing his recovery from an adductor injury sustained last season and has not yet been cleared to take part.

“Serge Gnabry won’t be involved yet this week. Hopefully next week. The main priority is that he feels good,” Kompany said.

The decision on Musiala will therefore remain open until after the final assessment, while Bayern prepare for their Bundesliga fixture at the Veltins-Arena without Gnabry.

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