The German international has been urged to skip the upcoming major tournament as ankle injury battle continues
Former Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has advised Jamal Musiala to withdraw from the upcoming World Cup in North America to focus on his long-term recovery following a series of debilitating setbacks.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign, hampered by a serious ankle injury and a fibula fracture sustained during the Club World Cup last summer.
Despite making a gradual return to the Bayern first team in January, Musiala has struggled to reclaim the effortless flair and consistency that made him a cornerstone of the German national side.
The debate regarding his fitness was fuelled by Bayern’s 1-2 Champions League quarter-final first-leg victory over Real Madrid last week, where the youngster was limited to a 21-minute cameo.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Kahn expressed deep concern that rushing into a major tournament could prove counterproductive for the playmaker’s career trajectory.
Kahn’s recommendation is rooted in the belief that a player must be mentally and physically “clean” before competing at the highest level.
“He should refrain from taking part in the World Cup,” Kahn stated bluntly on Thursday evening. “If I feel that something is not right in my game, then I have to work on myself to be ready again.”
The legendary goalkeeper argued that a summer of intensive rehabilitation would be more beneficial than a tournament where Musiala might only be capable of playing a peripheral role.
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Ankle problems complicate Musiala’s full recovery
The technical reality of Musiala’s condition was highlighted by Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, who revealed that the player is still experiencing physical complications.
Ahead of the club’s flight to Madrid last week, Eberl explained that the injury was far more complex than a standard fracture.
“He had problems again after the game in Bergamo [against Atalanta], where adhesions appeared in his ankle,” Eberl said.
“It’s not all perfectly clean and pristine, but surgically treated and still tender. “There’s a lot of physical strain, but the soul and psyche are also involved. This isn’t an injury that can be rehabilitated casually.”
While Musiala managed to score against Atalanta and Borussia Mönchengladbach in March, he has completed 90 minutes only once since his January comeback.
Since Kahn’s comments, however, Musiala played 84 minutes during Bayern’s 0-5 away hammering of St. Pauli, scoring and getting an assist.
Vincent Kompany has been forced to manage the youngster with extreme caution, often utilising him as a late impact substitute rather than a starter.
From Bayern’s perspective, their main priority will be to manage Musiala back to full recovery and not take any risks, with the national team keeping a close eye every step of the way ahead of this summer’s tournament.
