JAMAL MUSIALA RETURNS: CAN BAYERN’S “BEST PLAYER” RECLAIM THE BUNDESLIGA THRONE
Harry Kane celebrates Jamal Musiala’s return after 164 days out. Will the German star feature in Bayern’s final game of 2025?
Harry Kane is happy to have Jamal Musiala, who he thinks is Bayern Munich's best player, back on the team after being out for six months with an injury. The 21-year-old German player has been out since July. He got hurt during Bayern's match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.
Musiala Returns to Training
Musiala's return to training this week at Sabener Strabe marks a huge step in his recovery. He was badly hurt last summer and had to be stretchered off after a bad hit. He needed surgery and a long recovery, which Bayern's doctors took slowly. They watched every step closely as he worked to move again and regain his strength and confidence. His first outdoor practice on Tuesday was a big sign of progress.
Kane Is Excited to Have Musiala Back
Kane quickly shared how glad he was to see Musiala back. He told Sky Sports Germany, "It's great to have him back." Even before he got hurt last season, I thought he was often the best player on the team. It's like we've signed two great new players, like Alphonso Davies. I'm really happy they're back. They're important, especially with how we play. They fit in perfectly because of how strong they are, how they start plays, and how they run.
Kane also said that people shouldn't expect too much too soon and that Musiala needs time to get back to his best.
He said, They shouldn't feel too pressured and should focus on getting fit first. That will take a few weeks. But we'll need them even more when February comes, and things get really important.
Bayern Is Doing Well Despite Musiala's Absence
Even though Musiala has been out for a while, Bayern has still been doing great. Under Vincent Kompany, they've only lost one game in all competitions, thanks to their strong attack. Kane has been leading the way, with help from Luis Díaz, Michael Olise, and Serge Gnabry. Young player Lennart Karl has also been doing well, showing how much talent Bayern has. Because of this, Bayern can afford to be patient and not rush Musiala back, as they lead the Bundesliga.
Kompany has been careful about how much people expect from Musiala's return. Before Bayern's 2-2 game with Mainz, he said that Musiala is close to being ready to play, but they won't take any shortcuts.
Jamal is getting close, he said. Hopefully it will be next week. But I want to be clear that there's no pressure on Jamal or the doctors. Hopefully, he can get in some practices before Christmas. That would be good for him and the team. Then, he can start playing in January. That would be ideal.
Davies; Musiala's Return Boosts Team Morale
Alphonso Davies also recently returned after being out for nine months with a knee injury. He and Musiala are looking forward to starting 2026 in great shape. Captain Joshua Kimmich talked about how hard it can be mentally to deal with these kinds of injuries. He praised Davies' strength and said that both Davies and Musiala stayed involved with the team even when they couldn't play.
The way he handled his rehab was amazing. "I don't think I could have done it with as much energy," Kimmich said.
He always tried to stay close to the team. He's been with us in the locker room for months, coming to the games and hanging out with Jamal, playing music, and trying to keep everyone's spirits up. That's something you can't take for granted.
It's unlikely that Musiala will be rushed back for Bayern's last game of 2025 against Heidenheim. Instead, they're planning for him to return in January so he can get back into shape without pressure. They expect him to be a key player from February on, when the games get more important.
MATTHAUS WARNS KOMPANY: DO NOT CHANGE ATTACKING STYLE DESPITE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT
Bayern have secured the Bundesliga! Read why Matthaus wants more "spectacular football" despite the 6-5 aggregate loss to PSG.
Lothar Matthaus has called on Vincent Kompany to continue with his attacking style, despite Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The German legend feels Bayern’s entertaining approach shouldn’t be altered even though their defence showed vulnerabilities during the 6-5 aggregate loss in the semi-finals.
After conceding six goals over two legs, Bayern’s Champions League run came to an end. While the defeat exposed defensive issues, it also highlighted the offensive strategy Kompany has brought to the team. These defensive struggles aren’t limited to Europe either; high-scoring Bundesliga matches, like the 4-3 win over Mainz and the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, have revealed a back line that’s still trying to find the right balance between taking risks and maintaining solidity.
Matthaus, who once captained Bayern, stresses that the club should stick with Kompany’s attacking mindset, even if it leaves them open at the back. He pointed out, “With such an attacking style of play, you can't defend everything, of course. Yes, they've conceded quite a few goals, but they’re still having a successful season and are close to winning the double. They’ve even made it to the Champions League semi-finals.”
The return of excitement at the Allianz Arena was clear, especially during the second leg when Ousmane Dembele’s early goal stunned the crowd. Although Harry Kane’s late equaliser wasn’t enough to turn the tie around, Matthaus sees positives in the bigger picture. He believes Bayern has brought back the thrill and flair fans expect.
“While Bayern didn’t play their best in the semi-final second leg against PSG, they have entertained throughout the year. I look forward to their matches because they’re usually packed with goals. Bayern stands for spectacular football, and this season has been no different. I wouldn’t move away from that style,” Matthaus shared.
With the focus shifting back to domestic competitions, Bayern have already secured the Bundesliga championship. They still have two league games left against Wolfsburg and Koln before preparing for the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart on May 23.
BAYERN MUNICH RULE OUT MARCUS RASHFORD MOVE REGARDLESS OF ANTHONY GORDON OUTCOME
Marcus Rashford is not a target for Bayern Munich this summer, as the club focuses entirely on signing Gordon from Newcastle.
Bayern Munich aren’t considering a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, no matter what happens with Anthony Gordon. That’s according to a German reporter who’s close to the story.
Right now, Rashford is wrapping up his loan at Barcelona. He’s set to return to Manchester United at the end of the season. Barcelona have an option to make the deal permanent for €30 million (£26 million) in the summer. Both Rashford and Barcelona want him to stay, but here’s the catch: the club doesn’t want to pay the full €30 million.
Barcelona would rather keep Rashford on loan for another year or get him for a lower fee. Manchester United’s not having it. They want the full price, so Barcelona are starting to look at other players.
Rashford hasn’t made a secret of where he wants to be. Earlier in the season, he told Sport, one of the local Barcelona papers, about how much he wants to stay, saying, “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal.” He talked about the pressure and expectations at the club, saying they keep him motivated and that he feels like he’s in the perfect environment to grow and win trophies. For now, though, it’s all up in the air until next summer.
Last year, Bayern Munich actually showed some interest in Rashford before he went to Barcelona. But now, they’re focused on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for the left wing. The problem is, Gordon’s interested, but Newcastle’s price is ridiculous, reportedly around £80 million (€92.6 million). That’s much higher than what Bayern’s willing to pay. They’re thinking closer to £60 million (€69.4 million), and maybe with add-ons or an instalment plan. If Newcastle won’t budge, it probably isn’t happening.
Christian Falk, a trusted journalist from Bild, says Bayern aren’t considering Rashford as a backup if they can’t land Gordon. Bayern’s got a short list of players for the left wing, and Rashford isn’t on it. Gordon’s their main focus, but even if that deal falls through, Rashford’s not the next in line.
So at this stage, Bayern and Rashford won’t be coming together this summer, even if Gordon stays at Newcastle. That’s just not in the plans.
Must Read
_1776625292.webp)