Two more defeats in four days: Musiala explains what's happening to him

BarcelonaGerman footballer Jamal Musiala has explained what is behind the two episodes in which he collapsed on the pitch in just four days. The Bayern Munich player has revealed on social media that he suffers from brief and temporary episodes of absence caused by a neurological dysfunction. Musiala, 23, has assured that he is receiving medical treatment and that he is "very optimistic" about his recovery.

The second episode occurred this Tuesday during a friendly against Heidenheim. Musiala had come off the bench and just four minutes after entering the pitch he collapsed. The player was on the ground for a few moments and was later able to leave the field on his own. A scene that occurred just four days after a similar episode against Leipzig. In that match, Musiala had entered the pitch in the second half and fainted after a few minutes on the grass. At that time, Bayern had attributed the episode to the high temperatures. The repetition of the event, however, led the player to publicly explain that these episodes are related to a neurological dysfunction.

"The most important thing is that I am well," wrote Musiala, who wanted to reassure fans. The footballer explained that the episodes "may seem terrifying" from the outside, but that they are currently part of his daily life and are treatable. He also assured that "there is no additional risk" to his health. Musiala explained that he made the decision to continue playing after consulting with neurology specialists. "With the authorization of the neurological specialists, it was my personal desire to face this challenge and continue doing what helps me most in my recovery: living my day-to-day life and continuing to do what I am passionate about, playing football," he wrote.

The footballer also asked that the matter be kept within his closest circle, Bayern, and the specialists who are treating him. "I have taken responsibility for this decision," he assured. The episode comes after a season also marked by a serious injury: Musiala suffered a fractured fibula and a dislocation of his left ankle that kept him away from the pitch for months.

What are absence episodes?

Absence seizures are brief periods during which a person may temporarily lose consciousness or the ability to respond to their surroundings. However, in Musiala's case, it has not been publicly disclosed what specific neurological disorder he has been diagnosed with, and his situation cannot be equated to a particular illness. The footballer himself has only explained that he suffers from these episodes, that they are treatable, and that he is under the supervision of specialists.