Jamal Musiala reveals injury return target as Bayern Munich star sympathises with Gianluigi Donnarumma after brutal collision with PSG goalkeeper

Bayern starlet Musiala has spoken publicly on the devastating injury that has sidelined him since the summer. The German attacking midfielder suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle during a brutal collision with then PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma, who has recently signed with Manchester City, at the Club World Cup quarter-final. The 22-year-old was stretchered off in visible pain and underwent surgery shortly after, with Bayern confirming his absence would last several months. Speaking to Sport Bild, Musiala revealed that he is now eyeing a 2025 return to competitive action while providing an update on his recovery progress, while also reiterating he does not feel anger towards the Italian goalkeeper.

Musiala admitted the mental and physical toll of the injury was overwhelming at first, especially as the PSG clash had been his comeback match, saying: "I don't like to think about it. I haven't even seen the scene on video to this day, only photos of it. Immediately after the injury, I was off my phone, I wanted to be offline...You can imagine what was going through my head at that moment. After all, the game against PSG was my return to the starting eleven after my muscle injury.

"I can imagine how bad Donnarumma felt at that moment. He went to the ball and didn't do it on purpose: I'm not angry with Donnarumma, and he contacted me afterward. It's all good, these things happen."

He also provided an encouraging update on his rehabilitation while stressing the importance of patience, adding: "I don't need crutches anymore. But I don't want to rush into anything, I want to take the time I need. Mentally, the first few weeks weren't easy for me."

Musiala’s absence is a significant setback for both Bayern and the German national team. Regarded as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents, he had just returned from a muscle injury before suffering this far more serious blow. For Bayern, losing their versatile playmaker forces Vincent Kompany to reshuffle his attacking structure in both domestic and European campaigns, with now Senegal international Nicolas Jackson also joining the attack. 

Bayern are navigating their new season campaign without Musiala, meaning Michael Olise and Jackson could be tasked with stepping up in his absence, with Sane also not part of the attack this season. For Musiala, patience and steady rehabilitation remain the priorities, with his goal set on a full competitive return in the later half of the 2025-26 season. Bayern will be hopeful that their young star not only recovers fully but also returns sharper, while currently their next target is set on September 13 when they play against Humburg.