Bayern Munich could begin the Bundesliga season with concerns over Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala.
Bayern Munich’s preparations for the new Bundesliga season have been overshadowed by fitness concerns surrounding two of their biggest names, Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala. While Neuer’s latest setback appears minor, Musiala is being managed far more cautiously after two worrying incidents during pre-season.
Neuer briefly caused concern during Bayern’s training session on Monday when he required treatment during a cooling break. The 40-year-old goalkeeper was reportedly experiencing discomfort around his shoulder and had already been making noticeable circular movements with his arms before stopping for treatment.
There was, however, encouraging news for Bayern.
Neuer was able to return to training after receiving medical attention and completed the session, with no immediate indication that he had suffered a serious injury. The club will nevertheless monitor the veteran closely as he prepares for what he has already indicated could be his final season as a professional.
📌 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗨𝗣: 𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗢 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞! 👊🔥
We kick-off the Bundesliga season on Friday 🆚 Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/SkSgDXCx7S
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) August 25, 2026
Musiala Needs More Time After Recent Episodes
The situation surrounding Musiala is considerably more significant. The 23-year-old is expected to miss Bayern’s Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart on Friday despite plans to return to team training this week.
Musiala’s absence follows two separate collapses during Bayern’s pre-season fixtures against RB Leipzig and Heidenheim. The Germany international subsequently revealed that he had been diagnosed with absence seizures linked to a neurological dysfunction, prompting Bayern’s medical team to take a careful approach to his return.
Jamal Musiala will not be included in the squad against Stuttgart on Friday. A decision has been made. A possible comeback date is on 5 September against Schalke 04 [@AgardiJulian] pic.twitter.com/JF2GzFLz9a
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 25, 2026
Bayern are now working closely with Musiala to regulate his medication and reduce the risk of further episodes. Rather than rushing one of their most important attacking players back for the opening league fixture, the club appears determined to prioritise his long-term wellbeing.
That leaves Vincent Kompany with an important selection decision. Nathaniel Brown has already demonstrated that he can operate in a central attacking midfield role, having played there during Bayern’s 2-1 DFL-Supercup victory over Borussia Dortmund. New signing Ismael Saibari is another potential option as he continues to regain full fitness following his World Cup injury.
