Why isn’t Jamal Musiala playing for Bayern Munich against Chelsea today in the Champions League?

As is the case every year, Bayern Munich enter the 2025/26 Champions League as one of the favorites to win the tournament they last lifted in 2020, the pandemic-affected edition. Their hopes of reclaiming the trophy, however, have been dealt a blow by a serious injury to star midfielder Jamal Musiala.

Bayern vs Chelsea kicks off group stage

The Bavarian giants kick off this year’s Champions League group stage with a home clash against 2021 winners Chelsea. The Bayern vs Chelsea matchup will also provide the first chance for many fans to see two new additions to Bayern’s already potent attack.

Nicolas Jackson joined on loan from Chelsea on September 1 and is eligible to face his parent club. Meanwhile, winger Luis Díaz arrived from Liverpool in Bayern’s headline summer signing.

Luis Díaz set for UCL debut, Nicolas Jackson may wait

Díaz is expected to start against Chelsea, a side he faced often in the Premier League. Jackson, however, will likely begin on the bench, with Harry Kane leading the Bayern Munich attack and Michael Olise offering additional support.

Jamal Musiala injury update

The new-look front line will not include Musiala, who is sidelined indefinitely. The Germany international suffered a fractured fibula and broken ankle in a collision with then-PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the FIFA Club World Cup. Bayern initially announced he would be out for “a few months.”

After undergoing surgery, the club suggested he might return before the end of the year, although no timetable has been confirmed.

Bayern star looks ahead to UCL knockout rounds and World Cup

That means Bayern are set to play most of the Champions League league phase without the 22-year-old. Musiala is targeting a return in time for the Champions League knockout rounds and hopes to be fully fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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