Unfortunately, it looks like Bayern Munich will have to be without captain Manuel Neuer for a considerable period as the calf injury suffered in the 3-0 win against Werder Bremen was worse than initially expected. The club has confirmed that the goalkeeper tore a muscle fiber in his left calf after a thorough examination by the club’s medical staff, although during the second half of the match and immediately after the final whistle, Jonas Urbig’s entry into the match to start the second half was considered to be more of a precaution by Vincent Kompany.
Now, according to information from Sky Germany, Neuer is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks (via @iMiaSanMia). During his three-week absence, Neuer will miss the games against Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and potentially even the games against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen. Jonas Urbig will hold his own in Neuer’s absence, which may be reassuring given how solid he has been when called up by Kompany.
Advertisement
So far this season, Urbig has made a total of eight appearances in all competitions. Of those eight games, seven of them were victories and only one was a loss; the surprising 2-1 home defeat against FC Augsburg. Additionally, of those other seven appearances that were wins, Urbig recorded four clean sheets, including last weekend’s 45-minute turn at Werder Bremen. To say the least, Bayern’s goalkeeping situation is in good hands in Neuer’s absence.