Key Takeaways:
- Musiala sustained a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in a collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Club World Cup quarter-final
- The 22-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder has outlined a 2025 return target following surgery and an extended spell on the sidelines
- Musiala has publicly expressed forgiveness towards Donnarumma, who has since joined Manchester City
Injury Setback and Recovery Process
Bayern Munich’s highly regarded midfielder Jamal Musiala has provided detailed insight into the severe injury that has kept him out of action since the summer. The German international suffered both a broken fibula and a dislocated ankle as a result of a significant on-pitch collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma — then the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, now part of Manchester City — during the Club World Cup quarter-final.
Musiala, 22, required surgery after being stretchered off in visible pain, with the club confirming his absence would last for several months. This injury came immediately after Musiala had completed recovery from a previous muscle injury, further compounding a challenging period in his career.
Musiala hatte im Viertelfinale der Klub-WM gegen Paris Saint-Germain bei einem Zusammenprall mit Torhüter Gianluigi Donnarumma eine Sprunggelenksluxation sowie eine Fraktur des Wadenbeins erlitten. 🚨
🎙️ "Meinem Fuß geht es gut, der Heilungsprozess verläuft nach Plan. Ich… pic.twitter.com/JMwJ5VPFvD
— Sky Sport (@SkySportDE) September 3, 2025
Musiala’s Perspective and Rehabilitation Plan
Musiala described the emotional and physical strain of his injury in a recent interview. He revealed the taxing nature of the recovery, particularly as the match against PSG marked his return to the starting line-up. He stated openly that he has not watched the video of the incident, only seeing photographs, and he stayed off his phone in the aftermath to process the experience.
Importantly, Musiala made clear that he harbours no resentment towards Donnarumma, explaining that the Italian goalkeeper reached out to him after the incident. He also offered an encouraging update on his rehabilitation, reporting he no longer requires crutches but is determined to take the process step by step so as not to risk complication. Looking ahead, Musiala has set his sights on making a full competitive return to both Bayern Munich and the German national team during 2025.
Impact on Bayern and Germany
The loss of Musiala for such an extended period has presented a significant challenge for both club and country. As one of Europe’s leading young attacking players, Musiala’s absence has forced Vincent Kompany to adapt Bayern’s attacking setup, integrating other talents such as Nicolas Jackson—now a Senegal international—and Michael Olise, while Leroy Sane is also unavailable in attack this season.
| Player | Injury Details | Incident Match | Current Status | Planned Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Musiala | Broken fibula, dislocated ankle | Club World Cup quarter-final vs PSG | Rehabilitating, no crutches required | 2025 |
Looking Ahead
Bayern Munich are navigating the ongoing campaign without Musiala and Leroy Sane, relying on alternatives such as Michael Olise and Nicolas Jackson in the attacking third. Musiala’s primary focus remains on his rehabilitation, with a goal to return fully fit in the latter half of the 2025-26 season. The club’s immediate fixture is scheduled for September 13, with a meeting against Humburger, as Bayern seek to adjust and maintain performance levels in Musiala’s absence.
