Jamal Musiala recently left FC Bayern supporters stunned after collapsing on the pitch twice within a matter of days, particularly because the reason was initially unclear. The diagnosis has now been confirmed, but some uncertainty still remains.

“I was diagnosed with temporary, brief, but easily treatable absences caused by a neurological dysfunction,” Musiala said after his second collapse during the match against Heidenheim.

He had previously gone down in the game against Leipzig and looked disoriented afterwards. An emergency doctor entered the field at the time but soon signalled that there was no immediate danger. Musiala’s condition can be treated and is, in principle, controllable, but there is still no certainty over how long he may be unavailable.

If Musiala is forced into another lengthy spell out, it would clearly be a problem not only for the player but also for Bayern. According to Sky, however, the German record champions have now made the decision not to bring in a replacement for Musiala.

Instead, the matter of a new signing is not under consideration at all. The priority is to support Musiala in the best possible way during his recovery. That includes adjusting his medication, a process being handled in close coordination with the neurologists treating him.

At this stage, nobody can say with confidence exactly when Musiala will be able to return to action or when he will be able to play without symptoms. Bayern, though, want to remove any pressure from him and know they have alternative options for the attacking midfield role. Serge Gnabry, Ismael Saibari, Tom Bischof, Lennart Karl and Michael Olise are all, in theory, capable of playing in the number 10 position.

Without that added pressure, Musiala can now concentrate above all on dealing with the illness and understanding what it means for him.