Bayern's Eberl warns Musiala's ankle injury recovery is not 'casual'
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has stated that Jamal Musiala's serious ankle injury is not one the player can "rehabilitated casually," highlighting the ongoing physical and psychological challenges facing the Germany international. The comments come ahead of Bayern's crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday, for which Musiala has been named in the squad.
Musiala suffered a horrific ankle injury during the Club World Cup last summer and, after a lengthy recovery, recently suffered a setback following Bayern's 6-1 win over Atalanta in the Champions League last 16. That issue, described by Eberl as adhesions appearing in the ankle, caused the attacking midfielder to miss three club matches and Germany's fixtures in the March international break. He made his return as a substitute in Saturday's 3-2 Bundesliga victory over Freiburg.
Eberl provided a detailed medical update ahead of the team's flight to Madrid, indicating the complexity of the situation. "He had problems again after the game in Bergamo, where adhesions appeared in his ankle," Eberl told reporters. "It's not all perfectly clean and pristine, but surgically treated and still tender. There's a lot of physical strain, but the soul and psyche are also involved. This isn't an injury that can be rehabilitated casually."
The 21-year-old Musiala is considered one of European football's most exciting talents and a key creative force for both club and country. His absence has been keenly felt, with Bayern engaged in a tight Bundesliga title race with Bayer Leverkusen and now facing the ultimate European test against Real Madrid. His form prior to the initial injury was exceptional, cementing his status as a cornerstone for Bayern's future.
Regarding his availability for the match at the Bernabéu, Eberl suggested the decision rests largely on the player's own readiness. "It's about whether he feels ready at the moment. That's the impression he gave us on Saturday, so we're happy he's part of the squad for the Bernabéu," he said. This points to a likely role from the bench as manager Thomas Tuchel manages his minutes carefully.
The long-term management of Musiala's fitness will be a major priority for Bayern, with the European Championship in Germany this summer looming. The national team will be heavily reliant on his creativity, adding another layer of pressure to his recovery process. Eberl's candid assessment underscores that the club is taking a careful, long-view approach to ensure the player returns to full fitness without risking further complications.
