MANUEL NEUER has been ruled out for the “foreseeable future” – after injuring his calf celebrating a goal.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper, 38, hobbled off soon after Jamal Musiala’s goal in their 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16.
Neuer, who was replaced by debutant Jonas Urbig, is set to be sidelined until after the international break – and will definitely miss Tuesday’s return leg.
Bayern said: “Manuel Neuer suffered a torn muscle fibre in his right calf.
“The diagnosis was confirmed by the medical unit.
“He will be out for the foreseeable future.”
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Boss Vincent Kompany said: “It happens sometimes.
“It’s a pity, but we’ve always talked about the squad.
“That’s how we’ve come so far, in the league and where we are, and that’s how it’s going to stay.”
Fans called on Neuer to retire following the injury, with one saying: “He’s 39 in 3 weeks time surely this is going to be a career ending injury.”
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A second said: “Time for retirement.”
A third added: “Time to retire buddy.”
Neuer’s replacement on the night, 21-year-old Urbig, was making his debut for the Bavarians.
Urbig was signed from Cologne in January for £5.9million, though that could rise depending on performances.
Prior to last night he had never played in the Champions League before, but had experience in the Uefa Youth League with Cologne.
Bayern won the game thanks to a Harry Kane brace sandwiching a Jamal Musiala tap-in.
Kompany’s side were by far the better team even before Nordi Mukiele was sent off, managing 17 shots to Leverkusen’s three.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
