Bayern Munich begin their Bundesliga campaign this Friday against VfB Stuttgart carrying genuine optimism after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Super Cup last weekend, but the fitness of Jamal Musiala casts a shadow over the season's start. The 23-year-old will not feature against Stuttgart after collapsing twice during pre-season matches with a neurological condition that causes absence seizures. His medication is being readjusted, a process that can take up to 14 days, and coach Vincent Kompany has confirmed he is training individually in the meantime. A return at Matchday 2 against Schalke is considered possible. Kompany has been effusive about Musiala's form when fit, describing his pre-season performances as a level above his teammates, which makes the timing of this setback particularly frustrating.

Off the pitch, the club has moved decisively to clear unwanted contracts. Joao Palhinha, signed for around 50 million euros in 2024, has joined Benfica for 14 million euros after never establishing himself under Kompany. Bryan Zaragoza, another player who failed to make an impact in Munich, is heading to Espanyol Barcelona on a loan with an eight-million-euro purchase obligation, closing a chapter that yielded just 171 minutes of football. Sporting director Max Eberl, who recently extended his contract until 2029, has driven these departures as part of a broader effort to reduce the wage bill and sharpen the squad.

There is also a late-window subplot developing around Arijon Ibrahimovic, who was publicly earmarked as a first-team player this summer but may yet depart on loan, with Werder Bremen and Atalanta among the interested clubs. Manuel Neuer received brief treatment on a shoulder concern in training but returned to the session and is expected to start on Friday.