Jamal Musiala to miss Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga opener after seizure diagnosis

Jamal Musiala is set to miss Bayern Munich’s first Bundesliga match of the season despite being expected to return to team training this week, according to Kicker and Bild.

The 23-year-old Germany international will not be included in Vincent Kompany’s squad for the opening league fixture as Bayern continue to manage the medical condition that has interrupted his preparations.

Musiala has been under close observation from Bayern’s medical staff since collapsing during pre-season matches against RB Leipzig and Heidenheim. He later disclosed that doctors had diagnosed him with absence seizures associated with a neurological dysfunction.

Bayern are now working with Musiala to regulate his medication and lower the risk of any further incidents before he resumes competitive football. His return to training is expected this week, but the club are not yet ready to involve him in a Bundesliga match.

The absence of one of Bayern’s most important attacking players means Kompany must find an alternative for the start of the club’s Bundesliga title defence. Nathaniel Brown is a possible solution in the central attacking midfield position after starting there in Bayern’s 2-1 DFL-Supercup win against Borussia Dortmund.

Brown could therefore be asked to continue in the role for the opening league match, although Kompany has another option in new signing Ismael Saibari.

The Morocco international is still working towards full fitness after recovering from an injury sustained during the World Cup. That may affect his ability to take on a significant role immediately, leaving Bayern with further selection decisions to make in attack.

Musiala’s absence represents a major early setback for the German champions as they begin their attempt to retain the Bundesliga title. The club will continue to monitor his condition and his response to the changes being made to his medication before determining when he can safely return to competitive action.

For now, Bayern are preparing to start the league campaign without a player who has been central to their attacking plans, while Kompany considers how best to cover his absence.