Overview
- FC Bayern confirmed on Sunday that captain Manuel Neuer has a partial tendon tear in his right foot and gave no precise timetable for his return.
- Neuer was withdrawn after showing pain in the 44th minute of Bayern’s league win at Mainz on Saturday, with Jonas Urbig finishing the match.
- SPORT1 reported an estimated absence of about six to eight weeks, which would likely rule Neuer out for the rest of the calendar year, but that timeframe has not been officially confirmed by the club.
- Bayern must now rely on Urbig for imminent Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB‑Pokal fixtures, with sportschau noting the club has eight matches before the end of the year that may be affected.
- The recurrence of Neuer’s foot problem and his age (40) have intensified public discussion about a transition in goal, though club officials describe this as a flare-up of a known issue and any decision on reduced playing time or retirement is expected to rest with Neuer and close figures inside the club.