Bayern Munich carry strong momentum into their Bundesliga opener, but the fitness of Jamal Musiala casts a shadow over the start of their title defence. The 23-year-old will miss Friday's home game against VfB Stuttgart after collapsing twice in pre-season friendlies due to a neurological condition that causes absence seizures. His medication is being recalibrated, a process that can take up to 14 days, meaning he trains individually for now. Coach Vincent Kompany has been effusive about Musiala's form when fit, saying he has reached a level not seen since his serious injury against Paris, and a return as early as the second Bundesliga matchday against Schalke is considered possible. The club handled the situation with care, and Kompany's public backing will matter as Musiala works through his recovery.

Off the pitch, Bayern are tidying up their squad with the transfer window approaching its close. Joao Palhinha has joined Benfica for an initial 14 million euros, a significant loss on the 50 million euros paid for him in 2024, but a clean resolution to a situation that never worked. Bryan Zaragoza has been sold to Espanyol Barcelona for eight million euros after a series of failed loan spells. Right-back Sacha Boey remains without a buyer despite being frozen out of the squad. Meanwhile, young attacker Arijon Ibrahimovic, who had been confirmed as part of the first-team setup, is now reportedly open to a loan move for more playing time, with Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Atalanta all linked.

Bayern beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Super Cup last Saturday to open the season with silverware, and they face Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena on Friday in a repeat of last season's DFB-Pokal final, which they won 3-0.