The short version
- Vincent Kompany linked Jamal Musiala's recent on-field collapses to minor adjustments in his seizure medication.
- Club officials stated the neurological dysfunction was identified prior to the previous campaign and has been managed with expert support.
- Musiala is currently training individually after being ruled out of the upcoming German Supercup match against Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has clarified that a recent modification to Jamal Musiala’s medical treatment was responsible for the midfielder’s two collapses during pre-season friendlies. The incidents occurred within a four-day span, first against RB Leipzig and subsequently in a match with Heidenheim. Kompany indicated that the change in medication, while slight, produced side effects that manifested as these episodes. The coach emphasized that adjusting treatment plans is a standard procedure in managing chronic conditions and noted that Musiala himself authorized the disclosure of this information to the public.
The revelation follows Musiala’s own statement earlier in the week regarding his diagnosis of a neurological dysfunction. He described the condition as causing temporary, brief seizures that are easily treatable. Bayern Munich confirmed that signs of this issue were present before the World Cup and were known to the club prior to the start of the previous season. Despite this awareness, the condition had not previously impacted his ability to play football until these recent pre-season matches.
Max Eberl, the sporting director at Bayern Munich, reinforced the club’s stance that they are fully supportive of Musiala. He noted that the player had requested for his condition to be made public. Eberl stated that the medical team and players were aware of the situation throughout the last season, integrating it into their daily operations. The club has consulted with leading experts to make informed decisions regarding his care, ensuring he receives comprehensive support.
Medical experts provide context on the nature of absence seizures, which Musiala described in his social media post as part of his everyday life. These seizures are a type of generalized seizure often affecting children and young adults. They can be categorized as typical or atypical. Typical absence seizures usually last only seconds, during which the individual may appear to be daydreaming or staring blankly. There is a varying degree of loss of awareness, which can lead to a loss of balance or unresponsiveness.
Dr. Meneka Sidhu, a consultant neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, explained that while typical seizures are short-lived and allow the person to continue activities as if nothing happened, atypical absences can last longer. These may involve automatic movements such as fidgeting, eyelid fluttering, or lip smacking. In some cases, individuals may fall during these episodes. Repeated occurrences over more than twenty-four hours can indicate epilepsy, though effective medication usually manages the condition.
The management of such conditions in elite sports is not unprecedented. Rugby player Tommy Freeman, for example, began experiencing absence seizures at age fourteen and was later diagnosed with epilepsy. He continues to play for Northampton and England while managing his health through medication. Dr. Sidhu noted that for athletes, identifying triggers such as hyperventilation or dehydration is crucial. When properly treated, there is no inherent reason why absence seizures should prevent an individual from participating in sports.
In the immediate aftermath of the collapses, Kompany ruled Musiala out of the German Supercup opener against Borussia Dortmund. Other players, including Lennard Maloney and Serge Gnabry, were also excluded from that match. The coach expressed a desire to return to normalcy, stating that the initial shock has passed. Musiala is now scheduled to train individually for the remainder of the week as the team prepares for their Bundesliga title defense against Stuttgart.
Musiala remains a key figure for Bayern Munich, having contributed significantly with 69 goals and 37 assists during his tenure. The club’s approach highlights a balance between transparency and privacy, allowing the player to control the narrative around his health while ensuring fans and teammates are informed. As the season approaches, the focus will shift to monitoring his response to the adjusted medication and his readiness for competitive play.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Medication switch behind Musiala collapses - Bayern
