The only friendly before the restart was missed by several FC Bayern players, but things are “positive.”

by Zippy
6:30 AM GMT on January 7, 2026

00 Remarks FC Bayern → Practice FC Bayern via Getty Images
A portion of Bayern Munich vs. Red Bull Salzburg in 2025–2026 Friendly, comprehensive coverage
view every update
A handful of players were absent from Bayern Munich’s thrilling 5-0 friendly victory over Red Bull Salzburg to start the second half of the season.

Defenders Sacha Boey and Alphonso Davies were out by illness, while star midfielder Joshua Kimmich is currently recovering from an ankle injury he suffered at the end of 2025. Jamal Musiala’s first minutes back on the field following his terrible Club World Cup injury were further delayed, and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was also sidelined due to a hamstring problem.

However, as head coach Vincent Kompany stated following the game, it is by no means a dire situation overall.

SB Nation’s most recent video features Brandi Chastain as a negative role model and cut from the USWNT. Icon 00:02

14:22

Are you familiar with the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”? Brandi Chastain was the catalyst for that. Most likely. I’m referring to a picture that you are familiar with. After winning the 1999 World Cup on a penalty kick, she fell to her knees, tore off her blouse, and let forth a scream that most of us can only imagine experiencing in the future. It is now widely recognized as a representation of women’s power, bravery, and fortitude. Even though some people at the time thought that way, a lot of noisy people didn’t. Let’s use the prism to examine this image and Chastain herself.

View Less View More
In comments recorded by @iMiaSanMia, Kompany stated, “Some are ill, some are following individual training programs.” This also applies to Jamal Musiala. We would be pleased if he played in one of the next three games. Everything is going well. It’s a little too early today.

AssociatedWhat’s changed when Jamal Musiala rejoins Bayern Munich after a six-month absence?
Many Bayern academy players were able to play in their place due to the absences. Overall, it’s difficult to see how Bayern could have benefited more from the warm-up game before to the restart on Sunday against Wolfsburg.

You can listen to the most recent episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any major podcast distributor if you want more coverage of Bayern Munich and the German national team.