The Bayern Munich winger Jamal Musiala has revealed he is suffering from “treatable absence seizures” after he collapsed on the pitch for the second time in four days.
Musiala fell to the floor eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in Bayern’s friendly with Heidenheim on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old experienced a similar incident during Saturday’s friendly against RB Leipzig, but Musiala has insisted there is no long-term health risk.
“First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!” Musiala posted on Instagram. “I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation.
“I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary – but treatable – absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim.
“I know they might look alarming at first glance, but for me, they are currently part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this. Importantly, there is no further health risk involved.”
The Germany international added: “In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge; with the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery most: simply living my life and pursuing my passion for playing football.”
Having come on for Ismael Saibari after 61 minutes against Heidenheim, Musiala was replaced by Cassiano Kiala eight minutes later. He appeared dazed as he received medical treatment and was helped off the pitch, with Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, moving to play down concerns soon after the game.
“Jamal will speak about this in the near future. We knew about it and we are aware of the situation,” Eberl said.
Bayern won the game 4-2, with Felipe Chávez, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Luis Díaz and Nathaniel Brown all on target. Musiala also required medical attention after collapsing in the match against RB Leipzig.