Bayern Munich begin their Bundesliga title defence with genuine momentum but a significant injury concern hanging over the squad. The defending champions opened the season by beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, with summer signing Nathaniel Brown and Michael Olise scoring first-half goals at Signal Iduna Park. It was a fifth consecutive win across all competitions and an early statement of intent from Vincent Kompany's side.

The bigger story surrounds Jamal Musiala, who will miss Friday's home opener against VfB Stuttgart and is unlikely to return until at least the following weekend. The 23-year-old has been managing absence epilepsy, a neurological condition that caused him to collapse during two pre-season matches. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the club has known about the condition for some time, with the recent episodes linked to a change in medication. Kompany has been measured in his public comments, praising Musiala's summer progress while stressing the adjustment must happen without external pressure. The news is a blow given Musiala spent much of last season recovering from a serious ankle injury and was expected to return to his best this term.

Off the pitch, Bayern are tidying up their squad. Bryan Zaragoza has been sold to Espanyol Barcelona for eight million euros after a string of failed loan spells, confirming a significant loss on the original investment. Joao Palhinha is closing in on a move to Benfica, while Sacha Boey remains without a buyer despite being frozen out of the matchday squad. On the incoming side, teenager Wisdom Mike appears set to join Club Brugge in a five-million-euro deal. Bayern host Stuttgart on Friday, and despite the Musiala absence, they carry strong form and genuine squad depth into the new campaign.