Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has slammed Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma for his role in the horrific injury sustained by teammate Jamal Musiala during their Club World Cup semi-final match on Saturday night.
Musiala suffered a serious lower leg injury following a heavy collision with Donnarumma in the first half of the match, which ended 2-0 in favour of PSG. Goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé sealed the win for the French side in a heated encounter in Atlanta, Georgia.
According to Sky Sports Germany, Musiala is believed to have fractured both his tibia and fibula, and is expected to be sidelined for at least four to five months.
The incident occurred as Musiala chased a loose ball, only to be met by Donnarumma in a full-bodied attempt to clear it. The German midfielder’s ankle was caught between the Italian goalkeeper’s arms and torso, with the force of the impact causing his leg to twist unnaturally.
Medics rushed to the pitch and the 22-year-old was stretchered off before being taken to a waiting ambulance. The injury was so severe that the TV broadcast had to cut away from the footage.
Despite Donnarumma appearing emotional after the incident—falling to his knees with his head in his hands—Neuer did not hold back in his post-match comments.
“It was a situation where you don’t have to go in like that,” Neuer told Sky Sports Germany. “That’s risk-taking. He was prepared to accept the risk of injuring his opponent.”
The Bayern captain also criticised Donnarumma’s delay in checking on Musiala after the incident.
“I went to him and said, ‘Don’t you want to go and see our player?’ It’s a matter of respect. He then did it, but I would have reacted differently,” Neuer added.
Donnarumma later posted a message on Instagram saying: “All my prayers and well wishes are with you @jamalmusiala10.”
Despite PSG finishing the game with nine men—following red cards to Willian Pancho and Lucas Hernandez—Luis Enrique’s side advanced to the final four of the tournament. Musiala was replaced at halftime by Serge Gnabry.
The incident is a major blow for Bayern, with Musiala considered one of their brightest young talents.
