Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala may never “regain the performance level he once had,” according to honorary president Uli Hoeness.
During pre-season, the 23-year-old Germany international collapsed twice within four days, and it was later revealed that he had a treatable “neurological dysfunction.”
This season, Musiala has scored two goals in four games for Bayern across all competitions.
Hoeness told Bavarian network BR24: “We are facing a dilemma in this case, as he is suffering from an illness that cannot simply be cured, but it can be controlled to a certain extent with the use of medication.”
Hoeness said Bayern would stand by Musiala, who is under contract until 2030.
Former Bayern and Germany captain Lothar Matthaus said Hoeness is attempting to motivate Musiala.
“He’s needling him a little. It’s not just about wrapping him in cotton wool. He also has to battle against adversity sometimes,” Matthaus told Sky90.
“Uli was looking to create that adversity with this statement.
“It’s fine for him to say something like that, because we can’t just put a positive spin on things and somehow wait for him to come back.
“If I were in Jamal Musiala’s position, that would be motivation enough to show Uli I’m back.”
Musiala arrived at Bayern in 2019 after progressing through Chelsea’s academy.
Since breaking into the team as a 17-year-old, he has scored 71 goals and set up 38 more in 235 matches for Bayern.
One of Germany’s youngest-ever players, Musiala shared the Golden Boot as joint top scorer at Euro 2024.
He has been out of action for Bayern since picking up a hamstring injury in September, but he has recently returned to training.
