During Bayern Munich`s recent 2-0 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup quarterfinal held in Atlanta, young star Jamal Musiala suffered a severe injury late in the first half. The 22-year-old Germany international, widely recognized as one of the sport`s most gifted and productive midfielders, was pursuing a loose ball inside the attacking box. At the same moment, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma committed to playing the ball. The Italian keeper dove and landed directly on Musiala`s left leg. The immediate aftermath revealed the severity, as his left ankle was visibly displaced.
Both Bayern and PSG players quickly reacted, signaling for the game to stop so Musiala could receive medical attention. His teammates surrounded him, many reacting with shock and disbelief at the sight of the injury. The referee promptly called for the medical team and a stretcher. Musiala received initial treatment on the field before being stretchered off as the teams headed for halftime.
He was subsequently transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Following the match, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl commented on the incident, stating, “For me, this isn`t a result of constant playing… It is more of an accident, it happened, and this is obviously bad for us.” Head coach Vincent Kompany also reacted, saying, “It didn`t look good… If I`m just watching the images, it looked like an ankle injury of some kind, but I`m not going to make a diagnosis here.”
On Monday, Bayern Munich officially confirmed the extent of the injury: their attacker had sustained a horrific fibula break.
Musiala is considered one of football`s most promising talents. He was named the Germany national team`s player of the year last season, having debuted for Bayern at age 17 and becoming the youngest German since 1958 to play at a World Cup. He is widely expected to develop into one of the world`s premier players in the coming years.
Dominic Ashworth