Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala marks injury comeback with assist
Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala marked his long-awaited return to competitive action with an assist, following almost 200 days on the sidelines.
Musiala broke his left leg and dislocated an ankle in Bayern's FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on 5 July 2025.
After a gruelling rehabilition programme, the 22-year-old returned to the senior squad for Bayern's trip to RB Leipzig on Bundesliga Matchday 18, replacing Serge Gnabry in the 87th minute. Soon after joining the action, he touched the ball off for Michael Olise to score the record champions' final goal in a rampant 5-1 win.
The Germany international was filmed celebrating with his teammates and the travelling fans following the full-time whistle.
Watch: Jamal Musiala celebrates comeback with fans
"It's just great. I know what it's like when you've had a long injury lay-off, especially mentally. We're all delighted," said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer of Musiala's return.
"We're so pleased Jamal's back. We've seen every day how hard he's worked, how he's battled to get back quickly. He's a world-class player. We're happy he's back now and that we can play with him again," added Aleksandar Pavlović.
Musiala's comeback is another boost for Bayern, who have enjoyed a near-flawless campaign. They're currently 11 points clear, unbeaten after 18 matches, at the top of the Bundesliga, well-placed to qualify automatically for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 and through to the DFB Cup quarter-finals, meaning Musiala could play a key role in the club's treble quest.
Watch: Ruthless Bayern blow Leipzig away
The former Chelsea youngster will also hope to be part of Julian Nagelsmann's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The newly expanded 48-team competition takes place from 11 June to 19 July.
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Jamal Musiala's return is unlikely to cause Vincent Kompany many sleepless nights - despite the array of attacking talent already at his disposal.