Jamal Musiala ought to restrict his media consumption earlier than his emotional reunion with Paris Saint-Germain. As a result of there’s one factor the nationwide soccer participant not desires to see: photos of his critical leg harm. “I positively received’t take a look at them anymore,” stated the 23-year-old throughout his lengthy journey again to his former power.
After all, within the run-up to the massive Champions League semi-final in opposition to PSG reminded as soon as once more intimately of the drama that occurred on July 5, 2025 on the Membership World Cup in Atlanta. Musiala was significantly injured in Bayern’s 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Paris in a violent collision with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who fell from his objective. Anybody who has seen the tv photos of the left leg will always remember them.
The unforgettable photos of Atlanta
Mendacity on the grass, Musiala screamed in ache; his teammates and opponents stood round him in horror. The Bayern skilled needed to be introduced dwelling to Germany in a medical aircraft the following day. The damaged fibula and the badly broken ankle have been operated on. Months of rehab adopted, in addition to minor setbacks.
Now the circle closes on Tuesday (9 p.m./Prime Video) within the semi-final first leg. 297 days after Atlanta, Musiala will face PSG once more within the Prinzenpark, however with out Donnarumma, who now performs for Manchester Metropolis.
The foot holds, the “laughter” is again
And Musiala appears prepared for this psychological take a look at and for brand new Magic Musiala moments. In Bayern’s loopy 4:3 win in Mainz, he shone once more as a joker with a objective and an help. “This cheering, this laughter – if an offensive participant has that, then every part is solved, then every part is ok,” stated coach Vincent Kompany afterwards. Musiala feels “this freedom” in his recreation once more, the Belgian defined. And that at one of the best second, within the ultimate triple spurt with Bayern – and some weeks earlier than the World Cup in America.
Musiala seems fearless on the pitch once more. He has gained weight bodily over the previous ten months. “I do lots of further issues to maintain my ft feeling recent,” he reported. Worry? “I attempt not to consider it in any respect. From recreation to recreation I’ve extra confidence in my foot.”
Kompany fastidiously launched the playmaker, who is required much more urgently after Serge Gnabry’s absence. “You don’t get out of those lengthy, onerous accidents while not having this adaptation. It isn’t at all times all uphill,” stated the coach: “We’re having fun with what he is giving us now.” Musiala ought to lead Bayern to the Champions League ultimate.
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