Musiala fitness ´getting better and better´ in race for World Cup, says Bayern boss Kompany

Vincent Kompany says Jamal Musiala’s fitness is “getting better and better”, as Bayern Munich look to protect the attacking midfielder following his recent injury setback.

Musiala returned to action in January after missing the first half of the season with a broken fibula, which he sustained during the expanded Club World Cup last June.

The Germany midfielder then suffered an ankle injury during Bayern’s 6-1 win over Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, forcing him to miss the second leg, which finished 4-1 in the Bavarians’ favour.

Kompany said Musiala will also be absent for this weekend’s visit of Union Berlin, with the 23-year-old in a race to be fit for the World Cup.

“We’re in constant contact with Jamal – depending on how he’s progressing and how he’s feeling,” the Bayern boss told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“At the moment, it’s all on an individual basis. He’ll rejoin the squad at the right moment. It’s not just about his ankle; it’s also about his fitness.

“He’s improved physically; he’s more stable. He exudes maturity. I hope things keep getting better in the run-up to the World Cup. I’m not worried; it’s getting better and better.”

Musiala may be absent for Germany’s upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, but goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and attacking midfielder Lennart Karl were called up by Julian Nagelsmann.

“It’s good for Bayern and good for Germany,” Kompany added. “These are two young players who will play a major role in the national team in the future.

“This is the first step for them; they should enjoy it. They’re not under any pressure right now; they’ll have plenty of time for that later. At some point, they’ll play a key role for the national team. I have every confidence in them.”

Bayern look to extend their nine-point lead at the Bundesliga summit on Saturday. They are facing ninth-place Union for the third time this season, having drawn 2-2 in November’s reverse fixture, and won 3-2 in their DFB-Pokal clash in December.

The league leaders’ five-game winning run in the league was ended by a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen last time out, while Union are looking for a second consecutive win after a 1-0 victory over Freiburg last time out.