Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala suffered a frightening moment during the pre-season friendly against RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, appearing to be close to collapsing in the closing stages of the game. The Germany international was caught by teammate Ismael Saibari, who came to his aid.
The match was played in temperatures as high as 33 degrees, and it was the soaring heat that appeared to impact Musiala. He was a second-half substitute and scored Bayern's third goal of the game, but not long after finding the net, he seemed unsteady on his feet.
Teammates and medical staff respond quickly
Both Saibari and Joshua Kimmich managed to catch Musiala before he collapsed to the ground, gently lowering him down. Medical staff were immediately on hand to provide treatment as teammates gathered round. Encouragingly, a thumbs-up was given towards the bench from a medic.
Musiala was subsequently able to rise to his feet and leave the pitch, accompanied by members of the Bayern medical staff, as he was replaced by Bara Sapoko Ndiaye.
Debut for Saibari
It proved a dramatic introduction to Bayern Munich for Saibari, with the game his debut for the club following his transfer from PSV Eindhoven earlier in the summer. The midfielder has linked up with Bayern after representing Morocco in this summer's World Cup in North America.
Bayern emerged as 3-1 victors, courtesy of goals from Luis Diaz, Nathaniel Brown and Musiala, with the latter's strike being set up by Saibari.
Update from sporting director
Speaking in the mixed zone after the victory, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl offered an update on Musiala, confirming: "The most important thing, he's doing well!"
Bayern also endured two further injury concerns during the match, with full-back Konrad Laimer withdrawn after merely 10 minutes. Centre-back Min-jae Kim was subsequently substituted during the second-half hydration break.
Providing an update on Laimer, Eberl said: "Konny took a hit relatively early on, and his foot swelled up pretty quickly as well. That's why he was taken off as a precaution. It was already the case that he couldn't run anymore; he had to be supported. That was visible. He wasn't running smoothly at all. How long it will take, I really can't say today."
Bayern Munich return to action next Saturday when they face Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup final. Their opening fixture in the Bundesliga arrives on Friday, 28 August against VfB Stuttgart.
