New Bayern worry: illness set to rule Stanišić out against Spain

Illness, not injury

According to Croatian outlet 24sata, cited by Germany's FCBinside, 24-year-old Josip Stanišić has been unable to train with the Croatian national team in recent days because of a viral illness. The defender played the full 90 minutes last Saturday in Croatia's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, but on Monday he also missed the final training session before Tuesday's Nations League clash with Spain in Seville. His participation in that match is now considered highly unlikely.

Different from Musiala's case

For Bayern Munich, Stanišić's situation is less alarming than Jamal Musiala's recent injury. While Musiala will be sidelined for several weeks with a torn muscle fibre, Stanišić's issue, based on available reports, appears to be only a short-term illness with no signs of a prolonged absence. Bayern hope the defender can quickly return to training once back in Munich, since the club faces a packed Bundesliga and Champions League schedule in the coming weeks, in which Stanišić's versatility — he can play at right-back or in central defence — is a valuable asset for Vincent Kompany's rotation.

Wider context: a dramatic Nations League weekend

This international break has also produced other headlines. On Saturday, Spain came from behind to beat England 3-2, despite England leading 2-1 through goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. Kane also missed a second-half penalty, hitting the crossbar, before Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal turned the match around for Spain. Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal was a standout performer, drawing widespread praise from British media, including The Guardian, fuelling debate over this year's Ballon d'Or, to be awarded on 26 October in London; Yamal and Kane, alongside Kylian Mbappé, are considered the leading contenders. Meanwhile, England manager Thomas Tuchel's position has come under increasing scrutiny — since the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, his tactical decisions have been repeatedly criticised by former players including Wayne Rooney, Ian Wright and Gary Lineker.