This is a terrible injury. Jamal Musiala (22, Bayern Munich) is facing a crisis that could end his 2025 season even before it starts.
On the 6th (Korea time), Bayern lost 0-2 to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
This marks the end of Bayern's journey in the Club World Cup. Bayern beat Flamengo (Brazil) 4-2 in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals, but they could not overcome the wall of the 'European champions' PSG, who achieved a treble last season.
Bayern, who was playing a tight game, conceded the opening goal to Desire Due at the 33rd minute of the second half. Then, in the 37th minute and injury time of the second half, there was hope for a comeback due to consecutive red cards issued to PSG. Willian Pacho and Luka Hernandez received red cards in quick succession, resulting in a 11 against 9 match.
However, Bayern's dream did not come true. Rather, just before the end, they conceded another goal to Ousmane Dembélé and were brought to their knees. Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in both remained on the bench, and the 'Korean derby' did not materialize.
Bayern faces a greater painful issue than elimination. Their 'ace' Musiala collapsed due to a serious injury.
An incident occurred during first-half injury time. Musiala rushed to retrieve the ball near the opponent's goal line and collided with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma attempting to stop him. In the process, Musiala's left leg was caught under Donnarumma, twisting and turning outward.
Musiala, whose ankle was noticeably twisted, screamed in pain. Sensing a serious injury, the nearby players called for medical staff with tense expressions, and Donnarumma covered his face in shock. Ultimately, Musiala was carried off on a stretcher, feeling deeply frustrated.
Seeing this, Donnarumma also kneeled in guilt and shed tears. Harry Kane came over to console his teammate.
The examination results indicate that it is uncertain whether Musiala can return within 2025. German outlet Sport Bild reported, "Bayern star Musiala was seriously injured in the match against PSG. He was immediately transported to the hospital, and the first diagnosis has been announced. Musiala has a broken left fibula and multiple torn ligaments. He is expected to be out for about 4 to 5 months."
The media added, "Musiala was injured in a collision with PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma just before the end of the first half. He is currently returning to his team and will move to Orlando before returning to Munich," and remarked, "It's truly heartbreaking news! Bayern's Club World Cup has ended in a devastating way."
Bavarian Football Works, which covers Bayern news, remarked, "Not only did Bayern lose 0-2 to PSG, but they also lost their most important player for an extended period. A true double blow," and added, "This is terrible news for Bayern. Now the club must plan how to fill the loss of Musiala, who produces many attacking points."
Born in 2003, Musiala is a world-class midfielder who has recorded 64 goals and 39 assists in 207 games while wearing the Bayern uniform over the past 6 years. However, he is now out of the squad before the season even begins. Additionally, Bayern will part ways with Thomas Müller after this tournament, making Musiala's absence feel even more significant.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), 433, ESPN FC social media.
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