Kompany urges patience as Musiala works towards full fitness
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has called for continued patience with Jamal Musiala as the attacking midfielder progresses in his return to peak form following a long-term injury. Musiala, 23, suffered a fractured fibula at the Club World Cup last summer and only made his return to action in January, before a subsequent setback in March delayed his comeback further.
He was named in the starting lineup for the first time since that setback last weekend, responding with a goal and an assist in Bayern's 5-0 Bundesliga victory over St. Pauli. Speaking ahead of his side's crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid, Kompany provided an update on the German international's condition. "Things are all going very positively," Kompany said, according to a press conference transcript. "What we sense and talk about every day, comparing where he was three months ago - even though he was playing - and where he is now, it's all going in one direction."
The expectation, as reported by German media, is that Musiala will begin Wednesday's European clash on the bench as Bayern continue a carefully managed reintegration process. Kompany emphasized that while progress is clear, the final steps are still being taken. "I can't say anything about tomorrow, but our feeling is that it's going in one direction and we'll one day have the Jamal we all want to see again," the coach added.
Musiala's talent has never been in question, having been a pivotal figure in Bayern's Bundesliga title win last season and a key performer for the German national team. His extended absence, however, has been a significant blow to both club and country during a campaign where Bayern relinquished their domestic crown. His recent contributions, even while not at full capacity, underscore his importance. "He's scoring goals and providing assists. That shows he's mentally grown in his play. He feels better and better and can still perform," Kompany noted.
For Bayern, having a fully fit Musiala is critical for the final stretch of the season and for planning under Kompany's new project next term. His creativity and dribbling ability are central to the team's attacking dynamics. The cautious approach suggests the club is prioritizing his long-term fitness over short-term gains, especially with the European Championship on the horizon for Germany this summer. His gradual return signals that while the peak version of Musiala is imminent, the final phase of his recovery is still being navigated.
