Manuel Neuer is injured again. FC Bayern must soberly assess how resilient its captain still is – and what that means for the future
FC Bayern will have to do without their captain Manuel Neuer. The 39-year-old suffered a torn muscle fibre in his right thigh in the league match against Mainz 05. The Munich club have not given any details about the time of absence. According to reports, the goalkeeper will be ready for action again in time for the start of the second half of the season on 11 January
For FC Bayern, this is far more than just unfortunate timing shortly before the end of the year in Heidenheim. It is another signal from a body that is increasingly showing its limits – and thus reigniting a debate that has long been going on at Säbener Straße
The record champions‘ regular keeper has suffered a torn muscle fibre in each of the past two seasons. In the pre-season, calf problems cost him around ten games, including the two Champions League quarter-final duels against Inter Milan. Now comes the next setback – again without outside influence, again in the muscle area. The pattern cannot be overlooked
A captain with a question mark
Jonas Urbig will be in goal in Heidenheim, as he has been in his previous appearances this season. The 22-year-old has done a solid job, no question about it. But his playing time only superficially masks a structural issue: FC Bayern has a problem in the most important position that cannot be explained by a short-term injury alone
Neuer’s contract expires in the summer. He himself has repeatedly stressed that his future depends on his physical condition and that he wants to take his time with a decision. That is understandable – and at the same time a warning signal. When even a player of Manuel Neuer’s stature ties his career planning to his own health, he knows very well how fragile the situation has become
At the age of 39, the body reacts differently. Regeneration takes longer, stress is more intense, minor problems become major ones more quickly. For a goalkeeper who has lived off explosiveness, presence and constant availability for years, this is a decisive factor
Bayern have to calculate soberly
The situation is becoming increasingly delicate for those responsible. Do they extend the contract of a captain whose availability can no longer be planned? Or do they initiate a change while Neuer is still part of the squad? Both involve risks – sporting, emotional and financial. With a reported salary of around 20 million euros, Neuer is still one of the top earners at Säbener Straße
One thing is certain: FC Bayern cannot afford to be reliant on an improvised goalkeeping plan again in crucial phases of the season. The experiences from the last Champions League season are still fresh. Neuer’s absence in the spring would have an immediate impact on the record champions‘ ambitions
Sentimentality should not play a role here. Neuer has more than earned his status, his respect and a dignified farewell. But reliability is crucial at the highest level – and this is increasingly becoming an open question
The torn muscle fibre just before Christmas is no drama, but it is yet another reminder that even the greatest career will reach its physical limits at some point. Manuel Neuer has long been aware of this. FC Bayern must now stop overlooking these signals.