Dortmund chief wishes Bayern star a speedy recovery after injury
Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken has extended a heartwarming wish to Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala after the midfielder was diagnosed with seizures.
Musiala experienced sudden fainting on the pitch during Bayern's matches against RB Leipzig and Heidenheim, following which it was determined that he had suffered brief seizures linked to a neurological dysfunction.
The Germany international later posted on social media that he's doing okay now and currently in the recovery process, but he is set to miss tonight's Franz Beckenbauer Supercup clash at the Signal Iduna Park.
Ricken, displaying incredible sportsmanship, wished the rival player a speedy recovery on behalf of everyone at Borussia Dortmund:
With Musiala, despite all the rivalry that naturally also exists between Dortmund and Bayern, you have to say: It's not just about the player, but really about the person. I also believe that many Dortmund residents have a lot of sympathy for him (...) It was frightening pictures that we saw there. he told BILD
I believe that he is in good medical hands. He himself is very open about it. We at Borussia Dortmund wish him [Musiala] all the best and a speedy recovery. When we play against Bayern, we want to measure ourselves against the best and of course hope that he will be back on the pitch.
Musiala's absence worsens Vincent Kompany's selection headache, as the Bayern manager is already dealing with a few injuries. Serge Gnabry has also been ruled out of tonight's Der Klassiker as the forward continues his recovery from a muscle tear he suffered in April this year while Lennart Karl has a thigh injury and remains unavailable.
Like Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich also had a long and busy preseason campaign which saw them indulge in six friendly games, winning five, including a 2-1 win over Aston Villa and 3-1 against RB Leipzig.
Now as the German champions open their new campaign tonight, head coach Vincent Kompany is likely to field his best XI, led by the fearsome attacking triumvirate of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luiz Diaz, all of whom are available for selection.
Having completed the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double last season, Bayern are aiming to add a third medal to their collection here by lifting the Supercup for a record-extending 12th time, although the BVB are looking to spoil their celebrations.
Niko Kovac's side have strengthened themselves with six new and exciting signings over the summer that give Dortmund a fresh injection of quality as well as greater depth and versatility.
