'Winter Signing' Musiala Returns To Boost Weary Bayern

Midfielder Jamal Musiala has made a timely return for Bayern Munich, which has been struggling in recent weeks while competing on three fronts.

In December, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen ruled out any

significant winter purchases, stating that the return of Musiala and other long-term injury absentees, Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito, were akin to “internal winter signings.”

Musiala broke his leg during the Club World Cup. After two appearances off the bench and a standout performance in the Champions League midweek, Musiala is likely to start away at Hamburg on Saturday.

Bayern remain eight points clear of Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga but are still reeling from a shock 2-1 home loss to Augsburg last week, marking their first league defeat of the season.

Despite lacking the quality to challenge the defending champions, Augsburg managed to outwork a fatigued Bayern side, showing the strain of a long season.

While Musiala lacks match fitness after missing six months, his fresh energy will be crucial in the second half of the campaign.

The 22-year-old made his first start since returning in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven, scoring Bayern’s opening goal.

The goal showcased Musiala’s unique skill set. He dribbled through a crowded penalty box, executed a clever one-two, and blasted a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

“A beautiful goal from a tight angle,” Bayern striker Harry Kane said of Musiala’s strike. “He showed his qualities. He was outstanding and I take my hat off to him.”

Bayern have consistently dominated their Saturday opponents, Hamburg, in recent matches.

Hamburg, one of only three German European Cup winners alongside Bayern and Dortmund, is a huge club with a massive following. However, their record against Bayern is dismal.

Hamburg last defeated Bayern in 2009, with Bayern winning 17 and drawing three of their past 20 games.

In their past eight games—all Bayern victories—Bayern have scored 36 goals, while Hamburg has managed just one.

Bayern already thrashed Hamburg 5-0 in Munich this season, but Hamburg’s home record offers some hope for the hosts this weekend.

Hamburg have secured 15 of their 18 points at home this season and have not lost at their ground since October.

One to watch: Malik Tillman

Six months into his Bayer Leverkusen career, midfielder Malik Tillman is beginning to show why the German club spent 35 million euros ($41 million) to make him their record signing last summer.

Tillman scored twice in Leverkusen’s 3-0 win over Villarreal on Wednesday, sending the club through to the Champions League knockout round.

A Bayern Munich academy graduate who represents the United States through his American father, Tillman’s return to Germany was marred by a series of muscle injuries.

Tillman acknowledged, “more could have come from me” so far this season but said Wednesday’s performance was “a huge relief.”

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes never lost faith in Tillman, telling reporters “it will get even better.”

(With Agency Inputs)