Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala withdraws from Germany squad with muscle injury

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala has withdrawn from the Germany squad for this month's international break due to injury.

The 20-year-old was initially selected in Hansi Flick's 24-man squad ahead of international friendlies against Peru and Belgium within the next seven days.

However, Musiala sustained a muscle strain in his left thigh during Bayern's 2-1 defeat away against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Sunday and has subsequently been forced to pull out of the Germany squad.

Flick has expressed his disappointment regarding Musiala's injury and has confirmed that a replacement will not be called up to the senior squad.

"We all hoped that Jamal would be fit, because he has unique qualities," Flick told reporters on Monday. "That's why it's a shame for everyone that he won't be with us. We hope he is fit again as soon as possible and that he is back playing after the international matches."

ℹ️ @JamalMusiala has pulled out of the squad to face Peru and Belgium with a muscle strain.

Hansi Flick has opted not to call up a replacement: "It's a shame that he will miss out. We hope he's back fit soon and can join up with us next time." pic.twitter.com/G53L7wz6bc

— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) March 20, 2023

Since and including his senior international debut in 2021, Musiala has won 20 caps for Die Mannschaft, featuring at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

The youngster has been in fine form for Bayern so far this season, contributing with 15 goals and 12 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, but he now requires a spell on the sidelines to recover from his latest injury.

Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is another to have withdrawn from the Germany squad after injuring his shoulder in the 3-3 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw has been called up as his replacement and is one of six players who is in line to make his senior international debut along with Marius Wolf, Josha Vagnoman, Felix Nmecha, Mergim Berisha and Kevin Schade.

Germany will welcome Peru to Mewa Arena on Friday before taking on Belgium at RheinEnergieStadion four days later.