Injured while cheering

Diagnosis is here! Neuer has got it worse

Manuel Neuer is out.

(Bild: TOBIAS SCHWARZ)

Now the diagnosis is in! Bayern Munich's super goalie Manuel Neuer suffered a torn muscle fiber in his right calf in the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday evening (3:0). 

Manuel Neuer got it worse after all! An examination by FC Bayern's medical department revealed a torn muscle fiber in his right calf. This means that the record champions' goalkeeper is out for the time being. German media report that Neuer will be absent until the international break (from March 17).

"He's getting old"
It was a curious situation. Shortly after scoring the 2:0, the Bayern keeper grabbed his leg and had to be substituted. "Manu wanted to run off - and then it hit him in the calf," explained his long-time colleague Joshua Kimmich. "He's already said he's getting old." It looked like it happened while he was celebrating, added coach Vincent Kompany about the scene. Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl reported that it happened during a sprint.

Youngster Urbig as substitute
Neuer had to be replaced by German U21 international goalkeeper Jonas Urbig. "There are easier games for a debut," said Kompany. He had experienced the 21-year-old, who was only signed in January for a reported seven million euros from 1. FC Köln, in the same way as in the few months before. "Very calm, very confident," said the Munich coach. "Great for him. Jonas came in and did a good job," match-winner Harry Kane also praised the youngster after his Bayern debut.

Urbig could therefore also be in goal on Saturday in the Bundesliga against relegation candidates VfL Bochum and in the return match three days later in Leverkusen. Alternatives are veteran Sven Ulreich or the Israeli Daniel Peretz, who has since returned to training with the team following a kidney contusion.