Bayern Munich’s Champions League opener towards Chelsea is ready to be one of the crucial anticipated matches of the group stage — however the Bavarians might be with out considered one of their brightest stars. Jamal Musiala has been dominated out, and whereas his identify stays on the squad checklist for the competitors, the explanation for his absence has solely added to the intrigue.
Bayern have entered the 2025-26 season in horrifying type. 5 wins in 5 aggressive matches underline their dominance, with Vincent Kompany’s males scoring 14 objectives in simply three league video games. Recent off a commanding 5-0 rout of Hamburg, the Reds look primed to mount one other assault on European glory — one thing they haven’t achieved since their 2019–20 Champions League triumph.
The Allianz Enviornment will host a Chelsea facet driving a wave of confidence. The Blues are recent from profitable the FIFA Membership World Cup, the place they defeated reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 within the ultimate. Supervisor Enzo Maresca has turned the West London membership right into a harmful contender once more, mixing skilled internationals with a recent technology of expertise.
Chelsea’s return to Europe’s elite competitors is especially symbolic — that is their first Champions League marketing campaign since 2022-23. With the reminiscences of Munich 2012 nonetheless vivid in followers’ minds, this fixture carries emotional weight and excessive expectations.
The explanation for Musiala’s absence
Jamal Musiala continues to be recovering from a fractured fibula and ankle dislocation sustained in the course of the FIFA Membership World Cup quarter-final towards Paris Saint-Germain on July 5.
It was a harrowing second on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Then-PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collided with the German worldwide close to the sting of the field, leaving the teenager writhing in ache. Referee Anthony Taylor selected to not assessment the incident, a call that drew fury from Bayern officers.
Jamal Musiala damage
“After I leap onto Musiala’s decrease leg whereas sprinting, weighing 100 kg, there’s a excessive danger of one thing taking place,” sporting director Max Eberl informed reporters. “I don’t suppose he did it deliberately, however he additionally wasn’t being thoughtful.” Head coach Vincent Kompany’s response was much more emotional: “My blood continues to be boiling proper now, not due to the consequence — that’s soccer — however as a result of it occurred to somebody who enjoys the sport a lot.”
Following surgical procedure, the 22-year-old playmaker shared an replace that showcased each maturity and resilience: “Nobody is responsible. This stuff occur. I’m going to deal with the positives… I can’t wait to come back again.”
Bayern confirmed that the participant is included of their Champions League squad checklist, with a view to returning later within the group stage. “The therapeutic course of goes in keeping with plan. I not want crutches… I wish to be enjoying aggressive matches with Bayern in 2025,” Musiala not too long ago informed Sport Bild.
