MUNICH – Jamal Musiala marked his full return from a significant injury with a goal in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. The match, played at the Allianz Arena, saw a moment of deliberation before Musiala stepped up to convert a penalty, filling in for the injured Harry Kane.
The penalty was awarded in the 57th minute after a challenge from Rocco Reitz on Nicholas Jackson in the Gladbach penalty area. While not a particularly forceful foul, it was deemed a clear infringement by referee Robert Schröder, who also issued a red card to Reitz. Normally, the penalty duties fall to Kane, but with the England captain sidelined due to a knock to the calf, a discussion ensued amongst the Bayern players to determine who would take the spot-kick.
Musiala’s First Goal After His Comeback
The responsibility ultimately fell to Musiala, who had been sidelined for an extended period following a serious injury. He calmly stepped up, delayed his run-up, and slotted the ball into the right corner, securing his first Bundesliga goal in nearly a year. The goal was met with relief and celebration from his teammates, who rallied around him, offering encouragement for the crucial final stretch of the season.
Musiala’s performance in the 4-1 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach demonstrated his commitment to regaining his influence on the game. He worked diligently, consistently sought the ball, and moved effectively between the lines. However, it was also evident that he is still working his way back to full fitness. He didn’t always commit fully to challenges, sometimes opting to evade contact, and lacked the same explosiveness that characterized his play before the injury.
Understandably, regaining confidence after a lengthy layoff takes time. Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany emphasized the severity of Musiala’s injury – a fractured tibia and a dislocated ankle sustained during a clash with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Club World Cup – and stressed the require for patience. “He remains very calm with Musiala and protects him further,” Kompany said. “He will eventually get back to his best level, maybe even better,” Kompany added, highlighting Musiala’s physical progress during his recovery. “He should be satisfied, and we are satisfied too.”
“With Games Like These, I’ll Get Back Into Rhythm”
Kompany acknowledged the challenge this presents, a challenge that is likely to grow in the coming weeks. Musiala, when at his peak, is the most creative player in the squad – capable of quickly escaping pressure, finding solutions in tight spaces, and potentially changing games on his own. But to reach that level, he needs consistent playing time to rediscover his instinctive play. “With games like these, I’ll get back into rhythm, that’s why I’m very happy,” Musiala told Sky Sports. He noted it was his third start and his first 90 minutes since the injury: “My foot is a little tired, but it feels good.”
However, the competition for places this season is fierce. Lennart Karl has seized his opportunity in the autumn, establishing himself as a valuable asset to Bayern’s attack with his pace, directness, and youthful exuberance. He provided the assist for Jackson’s goal to make it 4-0 in the 79th minute. This dynamism is particularly valuable against compact defenses, as it creates space and opportunities.
What About Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry?
Karl, however, has recently found himself back on the bench. Being on the bench twice is something he isn’t accustomed to. Much is at stake for the young player, as Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has emphasized the importance of Karl gaining consistent playing time to be considered for the national team. Nagelsmann stated he doesn’t expect Karl to become a regular starter, “because that won’t happen,” but stressed the importance of confidence for young players. “He shouldn’t come to us and be the grey mouse, but he has to bring the cheeky attitude.”
Serge Gnabry also presents a compelling option. He is perhaps the most reliable choice in this situation, rarely performing below his usual standard. This consistency can be a crucial factor for the manager during the decisive stages of the season. Kompany is well aware of what he can expect from Gnabry.
Kompany therefore has three options for the position – each with its merits. Choosing Musiala fosters his return to peak form, but risks limiting playing time for other potentially in-form players. Playing Karl provides him with the game time he needs to develop. Selecting Gnabry offers reliable runs, experience in big games, and someone who can take on Kane’s deeper role.
Kompany will likely rotate between the options – not only for tactical reasons but also to manage workload. With the Champions League round of 16 tie against Atalanta looming, and a potentially uninterrupted run of games until mid-May, balancing the squad will be key. The victory against Gladbach has also raised questions that will linger in the coming weeks: How will Kompany find the right balance between rotation and results, between development and reliability? And how much patience will Bayern Munich have with Musiala as he continues his recovery?
Bayern Munich’s next challenge is their Champions League clash against Atalanta. The first leg will be played on February 25th, 2026, at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy. The return leg is scheduled for March 18th, 2026, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
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