Manuel Neuer had just returned from injury against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League after a couple of weeks of absence. The captain then started his second consecutive game—against 1. FSV Mainz 05—to become Bayern’s oldest-ever Bundesliga player. However, he landed awkwardly following an attempt to punch a ball out of the box in the 41st minute. After multiple minutes of treatment, Neuer could not continue and had to be substituted just before half-time, replaced by Jonas Urbig.
It is that
substitution before half-time that worries vice-captain Joshua Kimmich. Neuer has been subbed off due to injury before and missed a week or two, but notably, those previous substitutions happened at half-time. The fact that Neuer could not continue for even a few more minutes alarms Kimmich, leading him to theorize that it could mean an extended absence for the legendary goalkeeper.
“It would be extremely bitter for us if he were to be out,” Kimmich stated after the match (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “It didn’t look like he would be able to train again after just a week. Manu never admits to being in pain – so when he does come off, unfortunately it’s probably something serious.”
Of course, it is important to note that Kimmich is not a doctor; he is merely expressing concern for a close friend and teammate rather than offering expert medical analysis. However, Kimmich knows Neuer very well after playing alongside him for 11 years, and if Neuer is showing unusual signs of pain, it is certainly not a good sign.
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