Vincent Kompany sent Musiala on in the 57th minute of Bayern’s 0-0 draw at Schalke on Saturday, alongside Harry Kane and Michael Olise, a triple change from a bench the head coach had gambled on and which ultimately failed to unlock the Veltins-Arena hosts. It was Musiala’s first competitive appearance of the 2026/27 season.
His captain’s post-match assessment leaned on the group’s belief that a full recovery is coming.
“We’re all happy that he’s back. We’re convinced that he’ll return to his best form. We’re looking forward to Jamal deciding games for us again,” Neuer said.
The playmaker had not featured for Bayern since collapsing twice during pre-season friendlies, first at the Telekom Cup against RB Leipzig and then against 1. FC Heidenheim. Club doctors diagnosed him with brief, temporary but easily treatable episodes of absence caused by a neurological dysfunction, which required a medication adjustment. He sat out Bayern’s opening three competitive fixtures of the campaign.
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A cautious return after a medical setback
Kompany has spoken openly about the diagnosis and how Bayern intend to reintegrate their playmaker.
“He’s had a good, full week of training. Things are looking up for him, he’s doing well,” the head coach said before the trip to Gelsenkirchen.
The Belgian has also addressed the possibility of a recurrence directly.
“If it does happen again in 40, 50, 60 days’ time or in 40, 50, 60 games’ time, then it’s no longer a big deal for us.”
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Bayern’s plan is to build Musiala’s minutes gradually rather than push him back into the starting XI, keeping him in a bench role for now while his match fitness returns. The draw at Gelsenkirchen ended a run of three straight competitive wins to open the campaign, including a 5-1 Bundesliga rout of VfB Stuttgart and a 4-1 DFB-Pokal victory at VfL Osnabrück.
Bayern’s Champions League campaign begins this week, at home to Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt in the league phase.
Kick-off at the Allianz Arena is on Thursday at 9pm local time.
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