Bayern Announces Neuer’s Absence After Injury During Musiala’s Goal Celebration
Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper and captain, Manuel Neuer, is set to miss some time on the field after suffering a calf muscle tear while celebrating a goal in Bayern’s 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Neuer limped off the field after being substituted by his coach, Belgian Vincent Kompany, in the 58th minute following the celebration of Jamal Musiala’s goal that gave Bayern a 2-0 lead. Young goalkeeper Jonas Oerbig came on to make his debut for the Bavarian team.
Bayern issued a statement on Thursday confirming the injury to their 38-year-old goalkeeper, stating that Neuer “will be unavailable for the time being.” Kompany said after the match: “It happened during the celebration, and it’s unfortunate for us.”
The international goalkeeper, who recently extended his contract with Bayern until 2026, had been sidelined for a year between December 2022 and October 2023 due to a broken foot from a skiing accident.
Oerbig, 21, joined from Cologne during the winter transfer window. Although he made his debut in a crucial match, he was fortunate that his goal wasn’t seriously threatened as Bayern dominated the match against the German champions.
Bayern, who are top of the Bundesliga with an 8-point lead with 10 matches remaining, will visit Leverkusen for the second leg next week.
