Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer faces another spell on the sidelines after tearing his calf muscle while celebrating during Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Neuer, 38, was seen limping before being substituted in the second half, moments after Jamal Musiala scored Bayern’s second goal in their last-16 first-leg clash. His exit paved the way for 21-year-old debutant Jonas Urbig, who joined from Cologne in the winter transfer window.
Bayern confirmed the veteran goalkeeper’s injury in a statement on Thursday, saying he “would be out for the time being.”
“It happened while celebrating,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany revealed after the match. “That’s a shame for us.”
Neuer, who recently extended his contract until 2025, had only returned to action in October 2023 after spending nearly a year out with a broken leg suffered in a skiing accident.
Despite the setback, Bayern remain in a strong position, leading the Bundesliga by eight points with 10 games remaining. They will head to Leverkusen next week for the second leg of their Champions League tie.
