Manuel Neuer Injured Celebrating Goal, Set to Miss Multiple Matches

BAYERN MUNICH, Germany — Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer is facing a significant absence from the pitch following a torn muscle in his right calf. The veteran goalkeeper sustained the injury during Bayern’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on March 5.

Neuer’s injury occurred in an unexpected moment of celebration. While jubilantly reacting to Jamal Musiala‘s goal in the 58th minute, Neuer suddenly pulled up in pain and had to leave the field, marking an unfortunate twist in an otherwise successful match. The 21-year-old Jonas Urbig was subbed in, marking his first appearance for the club.

The club confirmed the injury’s nature in an official statement: “Manuel Neuer suffered a torn muscle fiber in his right calf. The diagnosis was confirmed by the FC Bayern medical unit. He will therefore be out for the foreseeable future.” According to reports from Sky Germany, Neuer could be sidelined until at least the upcoming international break.

This means the captain will miss the return leg against Leverkusen in the Champions League, as well as crucial Bundesliga matches against VfL Bochum, Union Berlin, and FC St. Pauli.

Neuer’s teammate Joshua Kimmich humorously referenced the incident after the game, saying, “Manu wanted to run — and then his calf went. He’d already said he was getting old.” Such a comment highlights the unfortunate and bizarre nature of the injury.

This recent setback is not an isolated incident for Neuer. He also faced significant time off last season after sustaining a broken leg while skiing in December 2022, following Germany’s exit from the World Cup in Qatar. That injury sidelined him for nearly 10 months, with a return to action in October 2023.

Despite Neuer’s absence, Bayern Munich is positioned well within the Champions League and has faith in Urbig, who joined the club from Cologne during the winter transfer window. The young goalkeeper is regarded as a potential long-term successor to Neuer.

Urbig expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness about his debut, stating, “I wish Manu a speedy recovery. Personally, I was thrilled to have been given the chance to play in the Champions League. It’s a big opportunity for me, and I felt positive support from the fans.”

As Bayern prepares for their next matches, the team is hopeful that Urbig can step up to the challenge. Upcoming fixtures will test the young goalkeeper’s skills, particularly against Bochum this Saturday and the crucial second leg against Leverkusen next Tuesday.