Kompany gives fresh update on Musiala ahead of Barcelona clash

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, FC Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was coy about Jamal Musiala’s chances of starting against Barcelona.

After missing Bayern Munich’s last two games with a hip problem, Jamal Musiala is set to return to the squad for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against FC Barcelona.

But whether he will start or come off the bench is not clear, with Bayern coach Vincent Kompany keeping his cards close to his chest on the eve of the match.

“Everyone knows how important Jamal is for us,” Kompany told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“But it’s not just about one game against Barcelona but about the next 30-40 games. We need to find a balance in workload. 

“Whether he just comes on as a sub or plays for longer – I don’t want to say anything about that.”

Kompany will be forced to make at least one change from the side that beat Stuttgart 4-0 at the weekend, as Aleksandar Pavlovic suffered a broken collarbone in that game.

Joao Palhinha replaced him against the Swabians and could start against Barcelona.

“You all saw against Stuttgart what he can bring,” Kompany said of Palhinha. 

“I won’t talk about the starting line-up, but ‘Pavlo’ isn’t here, so we need at least one change. That’s obvious.”