Musiala is back and Bayern has a plan for Champions League run-in

Jamal Musiala’s long wait is finally over. The Germany international is back in a Bayern Munich squad after six months out following a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle suffered against Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup. His return is expected to come this Saturday in the Bundesliga clash in Leipzig.

“If everything goes well today, the plan is for him to be with us. It’s nice for him and it’s good news,” said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany ahead of Friday’s final training session.

The Belgian coach also confirmed that he hopes to have Joshua Kimmich (ankle injury) and Alphonso Davies (illness) available, although he acknowledged problems at right-back due to the absences of Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanisic and Sacha Boey. Asked about the possibility of Kimmich returning to his former position, Kompany said: “Everything is possible, anyone may be needed.”

Even so, the spotlight was firmly on Musiala, whose comeback has been handled with extreme caution since he returned to full training before Christmas.

Kompany stressed the emotional side of the attacking midfielder’s recovery. He has come out of “a dark tunnel,” the coach admitted, but brings “a huge amount of positive energy.” The manager also outlined the plan for both Musiala and Davies: he wants to “protect them a little. They don’t have to be decisive in the game. It’s about a good integration, delivering a solid performance and gradually getting closer to 100%.” They are the best possible winter signings for Bayern.

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