Bayern Munich begin their Bundesliga campaign on the back foot without Jamal Musiala, whose absence from Friday's home opener against VfB Stuttgart is the most pressing concern surrounding the club. The 23-year-old is sitting out while his medication is recalibrated after he collapsed twice during pre-season, the result of a neurological condition causing absence seizures. Trainer Vincent Kompany has spoken warmly about Musiala's form before the setback, describing his summer performances as a level above Bayern's best players, and a return at Matchday 2 against Schalke remains possible.

The club did at least open the season with a trophy, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Super Cup at Signal Iduna Park last weekend. That win provided early momentum, and the Champions League draw in Monaco on Thursday handed Kompany's side a compelling group of opponents: Arsenal at the Allianz Arena, a trip to Atletico Madrid in the stadium where the final will be played next June, and an away fixture at Manchester United. Harry Kane, who scored 14 Champions League goals last season and is close to signing a new contract through at least 2029, named PSG as the competition's top favourites but made clear the trophy remains Bayern's primary target.

Off the pitch, the squad is being trimmed. Joao Palhinha completed a move to Benfica for 14 million euros after failing to establish himself, Bryan Zaragoza joined Espanyol Barcelona on loan, and young talent Wisdom Mike was sold to Club Brugge for five million euros. Sportvorstand Max Eberl, who extended his own contract to 2029 this week, is managing the final days of the transfer window with Arijon Ibrahimovic also potentially heading out on loan for more playing time.