Bayern Munich`s 22-year-old rising star Jamal Musiala sustained a severe leg injury late in the first half during the team`s 2-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup quarterfinal held in Atlanta on Saturday. The talented Germany international, known for his technical skill, challenged for a loose ball in the penalty area simultaneously with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. As the Italian keeper dove for the ball, he landed on Musiala`s left leg. The immediate aftermath showed his left ankle visibly dislocated.
Immediately, Bayern players signaled for the goalkeeper to stop play so Musiala could receive medical attention. His teammates surrounded him, reacting with shock and dismay at the apparent severity of the injury. The referee promptly called for a stretcher as both teams headed towards the tunnel for halftime while Musiala was attended to.
Musiala was subsequently transported to the hospital.
“For me, this isn`t a result of constant playing,” stated Bayern sporting director Max Eberl after the match. “It is more of an accident, it happened, and this is obviously bad for us.”
“It didn`t look good,” commented Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany. “If I`m just watching the images, it looked like an ankle injury of some kind, but I`m not going to make a diagnosis here.”
On Monday, Bayern officially confirmed that their player had suffered a broken fibula.
Regarding the match, PSG secured the winning goal in the 78th minute through a low shot from Desire Doue. However, the game wasn`t straightforward thereafter. PSG received two red cards: Willian Pacho for a foul and Lucas Hernandez for an elbow. Despite being down to nine men, Bayern couldn`t find an equalizer, and Ousmane Dembele sealed the win for PSG with their second goal in the sixth minute of added time.
Musiala was named Germany`s national team player of the year last year. He made his senior debut for Bayern at 17 and became the youngest German player to feature in a World Cup since 1958. He is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents and is expected to reach elite status globally in the coming years.
Adrian Whitmore