There are still some unanswered questions surrounding Jamal Musiala following the announcement of his absence diagnosis. The Bayern star recently collapsed twice during a game and had to receive medical attention before being substituted.
Many fans are concerned and are wondering whether the offensive player might even have to end his career. Musiala himself described the condition as “easily treatable,” but Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, hinted that the team first needs to adjust to the circumstances and learn how to deal with the situation.
No clear statement has yet been made regarding when Musiala can and will play again. And such a statement would likely be premature at this point. Even experts aren’t entirely in agreement, precisely because the full diagnosis hasn’t been made public.
Expert Discusses Musiala’s Comeback
Dr. Christian Elger, a professor of epileptology, recently spoke with *kicker* to shed light on the current state of affairs, based on the facts and statements available so far.
The absences Musiala mentioned “are a specific type of epilepsy, a condition that is already difficult to describe because it is defined by its symptoms. However, there is a vast array of potential causes that must be clarified on a case-by-case basis,” the expert explained.
Depending on the cause and triggers, patients can become completely seizure-free in up to 90% of cases with the right medication regimen. This is exactly what the doctors will now be working on in consultation with the player.
An important and interesting question, of course, is under what circumstances Musiala can return to play. “If he is seizure-free, the diagnosis is correct, and his EEG is normal, then he can play. I always like to refer to Julius Caesar. He also had epilepsy, wasn’t treated, and conquered many countries. In other words: You can do anything; you’re capable of performing—unless the medication or the underlying cause adversely affects the situation,” Elger explained.
Since a diagnosis has already been made and the doctors seem to be expressing a certain degree of optimism, there remains hope that Musiala’s condition can be brought under control.