'Winter signing' Musiala returns to boost weary Bayern
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala has returned at just the right moment for a team that has started to tire in recent weeks while battling on three competitions.
Back in December, the club's CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen stated that no major winter acquisitions would happen, and pointed out that the comebacks of Musiala along with other long-term injury victims Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito felt like "internal winter signings".
Musiala suffered a broken leg at the Club World Cup. Following two substitute outings and an impressive showing in midweek Champions League action, he seems set to feature in the starting lineup for the away match against Hamburg on Saturday.
The leaders hold an eight-point advantage over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga standings, yet they are still hurting from a surprising 2-1 defeat at home to Augsburg last week, marking their initial league loss this term.
Augsburg, similar to many in the competition, do not possess the talent to truly test the title holders, yet the smaller Bavarian outfit triumphed by simply working harder than a fatigued Bayern squad revealing the toll of an extended campaign.
Although Musiala is short on game sharpness after a six-month absence, his renewed energy could prove vital during the latter part of the season.
The 22-year-old earned his initial start post-recovery in the 2-1 Champions League victory against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, where he netted Bayern's first goal.
That strike highlighted Musiala's unique abilities. He weaved through a packed penalty area, executed a smart one-two exchange, then rifled a powerful finish into the top corner.
"A stunning effort from a difficult position," commented Bayern forward Harry Kane on Musiala's goal. "He displayed his talents brilliantly. He shone brightly, and I have to commend him."
Bayern have regularly dominated their upcoming opponents Hamburg in recent encounters.
One of just three German sides to win the European Cup alongside Bayern and Dortmund, Hamburg boasts a grand history and enormous fan support, but their record versus the Bavarian powerhouse makes grim viewing.
Hamburg's most recent victory over Bayern dates back to 2009, with Bayern securing 17 triumphs and three stalemates in the subsequent 20 clashes.
Over the last eight meetings, all Bayern successes, they have amassed 36 goals while Hamburg managed only a single reply.
Bayern already crushed Hamburg 5-0 in Munich earlier this season, but a potential positive for the home team this weekend lies in their domestic form.
Hamburg have gathered 15 of their 18 points on home soil this year and remain unbeaten at their venue since October.
One to watch: Malik Tillman
Halfway through his time at Bayer Leverkusen, midfielder Malik Tillman is starting to demonstrate the justification for the German outfit spending 35 million euros (41 million dollars) to secure him as their priciest acquisition last summer.
Tillman netted a brace in Leverkusen's 3-0 triumph against Villarreal on Wednesday, propelling the team into the Champions League knockout phase.
A product of the Bayern Munich youth system who plays for the United States due to his American parentage, Tillman's move back to Germany faced setbacks from recurring muscle problems.
Tillman conceded that "I could have achieved more" up to this point in the season, but described Wednesday's display as "a massive weight off my shoulders".
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes maintained faith in Tillman, assuring the press that "things will improve further".
Key stats
12 - Emre Can has converted all 12 of his Bundesliga penalty attempts for Borussia Dortmund, a figure that climbs to 15 out of 15 when factoring in Champions League efforts.
10 - Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel has recorded 10 clean sheets in the Bundesliga this season, surpassing every other keeper.
39 and 42 - Eintracht Frankfurt have netted 39 times this year, ranking third in the league for goals, yet no side has leaked more than their 42.
Fixtures (1430 GMT unless stated)
Friday
Cologne v Wolfsburg (1930)
Saturday
Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Hoffenheim v Union Berlin, Augsburg v St Pauli, RB Leipzig v Mainz, Hamburg v Bayern Munich (1730)
Sunday
Stuttgart v Freiburg, Borussia Dortmund v Heidenheim (1630)