Munich:Veteran Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a foot injury, compounding the German champions' absentee woes. Neuer sustained the injury to his right foot and was forced to leave the field just before half-time during Bayern's 2-1 win at Mainz on Saturday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bayern Munich released a statement on Sunday confirming that Neuer would be "out for the time being" with a torn tendon in his foot. Although the club did not specify the duration of his absence, German media have reported that he could be sidelined for at least two months.
Neuer, who was playing his 550th Bundesliga match, made history by becoming the oldest player in a league match for Bayern at the age of 40 years and 225 days. The team is already dealing with the absence of coach Vincent Kompany, who is recovering from an illness, along with long-term injuries to players Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz, Ismael Saibari, and Serge Gnabry.
Despite Neuer's absence, Bayern Munich remains well-equipped in the goalkeeper department. Jonas Urbig, the team's number two goalkeeper, is among the three goalkeepers recently called up to Jurgen Klopp's Germany squad. Neuer, a two-time Champions League winner, has already missed five matches this season due to injury and has indicated that this could likely be his last campaign.