"Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich's captain, started in the Bavarians' final Bundesliga match of the season, a dead rubber match against FC Köln. After 60 minutes of the match, however, Neuer left the field and 22-year-old Jonas Urbig came on to the field. It seemed as if head coach Vincent Kompany wanted to give Urbig some game time against his former club and symbolically demonstrate that the young goalkeeper's role at the club will grow despite Manuel Neuer's recent contract extension."
"But the real reason for the substitution came out after the match: Neuer had felt discomfort in his calf. With a big clash against VfB Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal final and a potential return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he wanted to take no chances and had to leave the field. After the match, Neuer downplayed the seriousness of the muscular issue."
"Manuel Neuer's calf problems should not be underestimated. Internally, it has been agreed that if he can participate in team training on Thursday, Neuer will start in goal in the DFB Pokal final. There's also constant communication with the DFB's coaching staff regarding the extent to which Neuer's calf might affect his participation in the World Cup. A final meeting between Neuer and [Germany manager] Julian Nagelsmann is scheduled before the squad announcement on Thursday."
"Of course, Sport Bild have a very well known reputation of creating drama out of very little. There is every chance Neuer will return to team training with little delay and no issues. Then again, it would not be the first time Neuer would have to take a longer break after dealing with a seeminly minor issue. This is the fifth muscular injury the 40-year-old legendary goalkeeper has suffered in the 2025/26 season and it was the third time he had to be substituted this season."
Manuel Neuer started Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match against FC Köln but left after 60 minutes when he felt discomfort in his calf. Jonas Urbig replaced him, initially appearing to be a symbolic move to give the young goalkeeper playing time. After the match, Neuer minimized the seriousness of the muscular issue. The DFB Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart and a possible return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup increased the stakes. Sport Bild reports internal plans to start Neuer in the Pokal final if he can train with the team, along with ongoing communication with DFB staff and a scheduled meeting with Julian Nagelsmann before squad selection. Neuer has already suffered multiple muscular injuries in the 2025/26 season.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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