Seven months after his horror injury, Jamal Musiala is on the way back to his old strength – but the finishing touches are still missing. The German national team has high hopes for the 22-year-old, who is expected to play a key role at the World Cup this summer. The plan is clearly structured, the goal unambiguous: fit as a fiddle for the World Cup
In July 2025, Musiala suffered a fractured fibula and several torn ligaments in his left ankle in the quarter-final of the Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain after a duel with Gianluigi Donnarumma. This was followed by surgery and months of rehab in Murnau – half a year of hard rehabilitation work
Musiala was back in the starting eleven for the second time in the 3:2 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Since his comeback in Leipzig on 17 January, he has played eight competitive matches, scored one goal and set up two goals. He has yet to play more than 90 minutes
Step by step back to his old agility
Musiala speaks openly about his foot operation: „I try not to think about it at all. Sometimes I still pay attention or it’s the subconscious, where you don’t do some things that way.“ These are honest words from a player who knows that patience is part of the process
„You always have to be a bit careful. For me, it’s better to come in a bit slower and hopefully be better at the end of the season. That’s why I’m happy with the progress I’m making now,“ he explains. Not every movement is as explosive as before, some days he seems „a bit stiff“. But Musiala can feel the development. „From game to game, I have more and more confidence in my foot. I can see the steps forward I’m making from week to week. I do a lot of extra sessions to make my foot feel fresher and fresher.“
In fact, the Bayern star is completing a special additional program every day, which has been worked out by specialists and physiotherapists, as reported by BILD. The load control is carried out in close coordination with the medical department. Coach Vincent Kompany can rotate, use Musiala in doses and thus avoid overloading
Goal March – and then the World Cup
According to information from BILD, Musiala should be back to his top level by the Champions League round of 16 matches on 10/11 and 17/18 March at the latest. The DFB comeback is planned for the international matches against Switzerland and Ghana immediately afterwards. „I think so,“ says Musiala with a view to his role in the national team
This will give national coach Julian Nagelsmann the last opportunity to shape his starting XI with Musiala before the World Cup, after which two intensive months with FC Bayern await – ideally in the race for several titles.