Jamal Musiala Addresses Health Concerns After Collapsing Twice

Jamal Musiala has moved to calm fears over his health after collapsing in two preseason friendlies within the space of a week, revealing he has been diagnosed with temporary but “easily treatable” absence seizures.

The Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder, 23, went down again on Wednesday (AEST), shortly after coming on as a second-half substitute in a friendly in Heidenheim. As he received treatment on the pitch, players from both sides formed a protective circle around him. Musiala was eventually helped to his feet and walked off the field.

It was the second such incident in a matter of days. On Sunday (AEST), Musiala had also collapsed during a friendly against Leipzig. He was able to leave the pitch on his own on that occasion, though witnesses reported he still looked dazed.

This time, the playmaker chose to address the situation directly. Posting on Instagram after Wednesday’s match, Musiala explained that doctors had identified the cause.

He wrote that he has “temporary but easily treatable absence seizures” stemming from a neurological issue, adding that these can trigger episodes like the ones seen against Leipzig and in Heidenheim.

Crucially, Musiala stressed that specialists had assured him there is “no additional health risk”. He described himself as “very optimistic” and praised the quality of the medical care he is receiving.

He said he is working in “close coordination and regular communication with experts” and that, with the backing of neurological specialists, he wants to confront the problem while maintaining as normal a life as possible.

According to Musiala, his own wish is to keep living his everyday routine and to stay close to the thing that helps him most in his recovery: playing football.

Bayern, in its brief report on Wednesday’s game, downplayed the drama, stating only that “there was a setback when Jamal Musiala had to be subbed off with a knock minutes after coming on,” without mentioning the diagnosis.

The timing adds another layer of intrigue to Bayern’s immediate plans. The Bundesliga champions face Borussia Dortmund on Sunday AEST in the German Supercup, the traditional curtain-raiser to the German season.

Whether Musiala is cleared to play in that showcase meeting is still unknown – and so, just days before the first trophy of the campaign is on the line, Bayern must weigh medical caution against the instincts of a young star desperate to stay on the pitch.