Manuel Neuer was substituted after 45 minutes against Gladbach. Now the diagnosis is in. Neuer will miss the match against Atalanta Bergamo.
Munich – Update March 7, 13:40 CET: FC Bayern Munich’s fears have been confirmed: Manuel Neuer sustained an injury during Friday’s home match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. The goalkeeper suffered “a minor muscle fiber tear in his left calf,” the club officially announced. “the team captain and goalkeeper will be sidelined for the time being.” This means he will definitely miss the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Atalanta Bergamo.
The Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday evening at the Allianz Arena went according to plan for the record champions. Goals from Luis Diaz (33′) and Konrad Laimer (45’+1) gave Bayern a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime, ultimately securing a deserved 4-1 victory. This win continues Bayern’s strong run of form as they prepare for a crucial Champions League tie.
Though, there was concerning news just before the start of the second half: Manuel Neuer did not return for the second half. The 39-year-ancient was replaced by Jonas Urbig in the Bayern goal. It was the latest early exit for the long-time captain, who recently missed two matches due to a muscle fiber tear in his calf and only made his comeback against Gladbach.
Manuel Neuer Substituted at Halftime Against Gladbach
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl told Absolut Bayern after the match, “He’s getting checked out, and we’re seeing what’s going on. I can’t say anything about it yet. I can imagine he’s not happy about it. But he’ll be 40 in March. That’s why we’re glad we have such good goalkeepers behind Jonas and Ulle, so you can make a change at halftime.”
According to Joshua Kimmich, Neuer underwent an MRI scan immediately after the final whistle. “Manu felt something in his calf,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said after the game. They now need to wait, and notice. The next game is “coming up very quickly.” Substitute Jonas Urbig wished Neuer “a speedy recovery. I hope he comes back soon.”
It remains unclear whether the goalkeeper will be available for Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Atalanta Bergamo. If Neuer is indeed sidelined for the match against Bergamo, 22-year-old Urbig would again be in goal, as he was against Gladbach and previously against Dortmund and Frankfurt. The young keeper performed well in those matches, despite conceding two goals against both BVB and SGE. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has full confidence in the Neuer replacement.
