Bayern Munich Faces Dortmund in Super Cup Without Musiala
Bayern Munich step into the new season on Saturday with a trophy already on the line and a familiar rival in the opposite corner. Borussia Dortmund await in the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup, the traditional curtain-raiser to the German campaign and a first real test of Vincent Kompany’s Bayern.
The Allianz Arena crowd will demand a statement. A new coach, a fresh start, and Dortmund in town — it’s the kind of night Bayern supporters live for. Kompany has a powerful squad at his disposal, but one glaring absence stands out: Jamal Musiala.
Musiala sits out Super Cup after worrying collapses
Bayern have decided not to risk the 23-year-old in the Super Cup after two alarming incidents in pre-season. Musiala collapsed in matches against RB Leipzig and Heidenheim within four days, moments that sent a jolt through the club and the fanbase.
On social media, the Germany international explained that a minor neurological issue triggered those collapses. He stressed that the condition will not end his career or stop him playing for Bayern, but the images of him going down twice in quick succession have inevitably sharpened focus on his health.
The club’s response has been cautious but calm. Bayern insist this is a known issue rather than a sudden mystery.
Bayern confident for Bundesliga opener
Inside Säbener Straße, the mood around Musiala is surprisingly relaxed. Bayern expect him to be available for the Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart next Friday, and his workload is being carefully managed.
The attacking midfielder trained individually at the club’s headquarters, working under the close eye of medical staff and coaches. It was not a punishment or exile, but a tailored session designed to control every variable after a turbulent week.
Sporting director Max Eberl and head coach Kompany used their pre–Super Cup press conference to shed more light on the situation. Bayern have been aware of Musiala’s neurological condition for over a year. The recent problems, they explained, stem from side effects linked to a change in medication rather than a new diagnosis.
The plan now is straightforward: revert to the previous medication, the one that had kept the issue in check. Bayern are backing their No. 42 to come through this and flourish.
Inside the dressing room, no drama
Within the squad, Musiala’s condition is not a daily talking point. Team-mates have known about it for some time and have publicly rallied around him in recent days, but there is no sense of panic or stigma. For them, he is still the same gifted playmaker expected to be central to Bayern’s attack this season.
The club’s message is consistent: protect him now, unleash him when it matters most.
A year to forget — and a season to reclaim
The last 12 months have already tested Musiala’s resilience. He suffered a serious injury against PSG in the Club World Cup last summer, an issue that sidelined him for more than seven months. By the time he returned, the rhythm that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers had understandably faded.
He needed minutes, confidence, and time. Instead, he has walked into another health scare just as a new season begins. Bayern’s hierarchy and supporters, though, remain convinced that this campaign can still be his reset, the year he reclaims his best form.
Kompany’s system, with its emphasis on intelligent movement and technical quality between the lines, looks built for a player like Musiala. Bayern are determined that a medical adjustment, not a medical crisis, will define his story in 2026/27.
Key absences for Kompany’s first test
Musiala is not the only absentee for the Super Cup. Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry will also miss the clash with Dortmund as they continue their recoveries from injury. It leaves Kompany without three attacking options for his first competitive match in charge, a challenge he will have to solve on the fly against a bitter rival.
The stakes are clear. Bayern want a trophy, a performance, and a sign that the Kompany era can carry their usual weight of expectation. Musiala will be watching from the sidelines this time.
The real question is what he looks like when he finally steps back onto the Bundesliga stage next Friday — and whether this season becomes the one that truly belongs to him.
