There were worrying scenes involving Jamal Musiala twice within only a few days. The 23-year-old first collapsed without any contact from an opponent during FC Bayern’s friendly against RB Leipzig last Saturday. Three days later, a similar incident occurred against 1. FC Heidenheim.
It has since become clear that the episodes were apparently not caused by conventional circulatory problems, as was initially assumed. Musiala revealed that he had been diagnosed with brief absence episodes linked to a neurological dysfunction. At the same time, the Bayern star stressed: “First things first – I’m doing well!”
First scare against Leipzig
The first publicly visible incident occurred on 15 August during Bayern’s 3-1 friendly win over RB Leipzig. Musiala had even scored earlier in the match before suddenly collapsing on the pitch in the 84th minute. Team-mates and medical staff reacted immediately, and an emergency doctor was also present on the field for a period of time.
After several minutes, Musiala was able to stand up again, although he still appeared dazed as he left the pitch and needed assistance.
Initially, everything pointed towards a fainting episode. With temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, there was talk of dizziness, circulatory problems and an elevated body temperature. Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl was at least able to confirm shortly afterwards that Musiala was generally doing well.
His rapid recovery was apparently also one of the reasons why he was able to play again only a few days later.
Another collapse in Heidenheim
On Tuesday, however, another worrying incident followed in Bayern’s final friendly before the start of the competitive season against 1. FC Heidenheim.
Musiala came on as a substitute and required medical attention only a few minutes later after going to ground without any contact. Players from both teams formed a screen around the Bayern star. Once again, Musiala was able to leave the pitch under his own power, although he did not continue playing. Bayern eventually won the match 4-2.
After a second incident within the space of just a few days, it was clear that the initial explanation of heat and circulatory problems alone was no longer sufficient.
Musiala explains his absence episodes
Later that same evening, Musiala decided to publicly explain his medical situation.
He said doctors had identified “temporary, brief but treatable absence episodes” caused by a neurological dysfunction. These could lead to exactly the kind of situations seen against Leipzig and Heidenheim.
From a medical perspective, absence episodes are very brief lapses in awareness. Those affected may stop what they are doing for a few seconds and may not respond to their surroundings during that time. Full awareness can then return very quickly. Such episodes can occur in connection with certain forms of epilepsy, among other conditions. Musiala, however, did not disclose his exact diagnosis.
Why there appears to be no immediate cause for concern
As dramatic as the two incidents looked on the pitch, there are several reasons why Musiala’s comments can, for now, be seen as genuine reassurance.
The crucial point is that the issue is medically known. Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has since explained that the club had already been aware of Musiala’s neurological condition for some time. Bayern are therefore in close contact with specialists and neurologists, who had also cleared Musiala to play football.
Musiala himself says he is receiving the best possible medical care and has described the absence episodes as treatable. Most importantly, he explicitly stated that, according to his doctors, there is no additional health risk associated with the condition.
That does not mean the incidents can simply be ignored. Whether and when Musiala plays again will be decided by the doctors treating him and FC Bayern. Further episodes also cannot be completely ruled out at this stage.
For Bayern supporters, however, the key point is that the dramatic-looking collapses are not linked to a newly discovered, acutely life-threatening illness. Musiala knows the cause, is being treated by specialists and has made the conscious decision, in consultation with his doctors, to continue his career.
After an already difficult year marked by a fractured fibula and an ankle injury, that is at least one important piece of positive news: the 23-year-old must deal with another health issue, but as things stand, his football career is not in question.
