The hits just keep coming. After an unexpected 2-2 draw to bottom of the table Mainz, Bayern Munich have suffered another setback. Captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will apparently be sidelined for the time
being with a hamstring injury.
This means that Vincent Kompany will have to start Jonas Urbig in the final game of the year against 17th-placed Heidenheim — which most fans would have wanted anyway. Urbig has shown immense talent in the few games he has started this season, and Neuer’s sudden injury will give him an opportunity to showcase himself yet again.
Per fcbayern.com:
FC Bayern will have to do without captain Manuel Neuer for the time being . The goalkeeper suffered a torn muscle fiber in his right hamstring during Sunday’s Bundesliga home game against 1. FSV Mainz 05. This was the result of an examination by FC Bayern’s medical department.
At nearly forty years old, Neuer has played almost every single game in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season. This is not the first time he has had injury problems — last season, he missed as many as fifteen games due to various issues including a torn muscle fiber, a rib fracture, and hamstring issues.
This latest injury may be a sign that his body is finally slowing down, as he spent much of the Mainz game marauding outside his box and even taking a throw in at one point. While the game against Paris Saint-Germain proved that Neuer can still perform when called upon, it may be prudent for Vincent Kompany to give Jonas Urbig more minutes. Both for the youngster’s development, and to rest a clearly overworked Neuer.
According to Bild (via @iMiaSanMia), Neuer should be back in action after the winter break. We wish him a speedy recovery!
