Bayern captain Manuel Neuer sidelined with calf injury

Bayern Munich’s captain, Manuel Neuer, faces a spell on the sidelines after tearing his calf muscle while celebrating during the club’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.  

The 38-year-old goalkeeper was seen limping and was substituted in the second half, shortly after Jamal Musiala doubled Bayern’s lead. His exit paved the way for debutant Jonas Urbig to step in.

On Thursday, Bayern confirmed Neuer’s injury, stating that he “would be out for the time being,” though the club has yet to provide a specific timeline for his return.

“It happened while celebrating,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said after the match, adding, “That’s a shame for us.”

The veteran goalkeeper, who recently extended his deal at Bayern until 2025, missed almost a full year with a broken leg from a skiing accident from December 2022 until October 2023.

Urbig, 21, arrived from Cologne in the winter. Despite making his debut on the big stage on Wednesday, Urbig was largely untested as Bayern dominated the first leg against the defending German champions.

Bayern, who sit eight points clear in the league with 10 games remaining, travel to Leverkusen for the return Champions League leg next week in a dominant position.