„Not everything flawless“: Eberl’s statements on Musiala’s injury raise eyebrows | OneFootball

Jamal Musiala is back at FC Bayern just in time for the Champions League clash against Real Madrid – but the road there was much more complicated than many had expected

After several weeks of setbacks and uncertainty, the 23-year-old was back on the pitch for the first time in the 3-2 win against SC Freiburg. The attacking player gained around 25 minutes of match practice before making the trip to Madrid – an important signal ahead of the quarter-final first leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

Eberl gives rare insight into Musiala’s condition

Before the departure, sporting director Max Eberl made it clear that Musiala’s situation is far more than just an ordinary injury

„It’s not an injury that can be rehabilitated in passing,“ explained the 52-year-old, deliberately opening his eyes to the complexity of the case

Particularly noteworthy: Eberl spoke not only about the physical aspects, but also about the mental component. „There is a lot of physicality involved, but the soul and psyche are also involved,“ he emphasized

This makes it clear how profound the effects of the serious injury from the summer of 2025 were. Musiala suffered a fractured fibula and several torn ankle ligaments at the Club World Cup – an incision that goes far beyond a normal injury

Setbacks after the comeback

photo: IMAGO

After his first comeback in January, the next setback followed promptly. Musiala was repeatedly set back by minor problems, most recently after the game against Atalanta Bergamo

Eberl now explained in more detail for the first time why this was the case: „He had another problem after the Bergamo game, where adhesions appeared in the ankle.“ A particularly delicate situation, because: „It’s not all flawless and virgin, but also surgical and damaged.“

These words make it clear that Musiala’s ankle is still a sensitive area. The healing process takes time – and above all patience

This is precisely why those responsible deliberately opted for a cautious approach: „Accordingly, it was clear to us that this reintegration would also take some time,“ said Eberl

Sporting director Christoph Freund had also recently emphasized: „It’s not easy for Jamal right now because he keeps having minor setbacks.“

This made his performance against Freiburg all the more important, not because of his spectacular actions, but because of the way Musiala presented himself

„He was ready“ – positive signal ahead of Real

Eberl was satisfied with the comeback: „He threw himself into the team. He made a very good impression.“ At the moment, it’s less about perfection and more about the feeling: „It’s about the fact that he feels ready.“

This is precisely the impression Musiala gave internally: „He gave us that impression on Saturday, so we’re delighted that he’s back at the Bernabéu.“

The return of the attacking star comes at the right time for FC Bayern, as a fit Musiala is of enormous importance, especially in the hot phase of the season – with the duels against Real Madrid and with a view to the World Cup

But it is also clear that the path back to top form is not yet complete

After months of setbacks, doubts and intensive rehab, Musiala is now at a crucial point. The next few weeks will show whether he is not only back – but whether he can once again become the difference-maker he was before his injury.