The injury storm at Bayern Munich has turned things topsy-turvy for the German giants. Goalkeeper-captain Manuel Neuer is out with an aggravation in his foot and could miss the knockout fixture against 1. FC Magdeburg in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday.
The Bundesliga fixture against SC Freiburg really tested the Bavarians, who emerged victorious despite missing seven players and coach Vincent Kompany. Standing in for Kompany, assistant manager Aaron Danks gave an update on Neuer’s situation for the Pokal game. “I’m not too sure. He had a small aggravation in his foot. It depends on how much time that takes to settle. It could be a little bit uncomfortable for him at the moment, but I don’t think it will take too long,” said Danks (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Foot injuries have been plaguing Manuel Neuer for nearly a decade now. Despite repeated occurrences, the 40-year-old has done incredibly well to maintain his mental and physical fitness to keep going at this age and at the highest level.
Neuer’s deputy in goal, Jonas Urbig, is manning the keeper role until the captain returns. Urbig made two saves in the 3-1 victory against Freiburg. The 23-year-old has put up strong performances and is gradually adapting to the risky sweeper role perfected by Neuer. The Pokal will be another opportunity thrown Urbig’s way to build his confidence and mastery as he prepares to take up Bayern’s primary goalkeeper role next season.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts