FC Bayern will be without their captain for the next few weeks. Manuel Neuer suffered a torn muscle fibre in his left calf during the 3-0 win against Werder Bremen. He is expected to be out for around three weeks – an absence that will weigh heavily in the tight final stretch of the season. The frequent injuries raise questions about his future at FC Bayern
At first glance, the diagnosis seems unspectacular. Torn muscle fibres are almost part of everyday life in professional soccer. But in Neuer’s case, the injury is more than just a side note. It is already the third torn muscle fibre in twelve months – and once again it affects the calf. In March 2025, it had already affected the right calf. In December 2025, it was the back of the right thigh. The intervals between injuries are getting shorter, and his resilience seems to be decreasing
At almost 40 years old, Neuer is in the late autumn of his extraordinary career. Even if goalkeepers can often play at the highest level for longer, physical wear and tear remains a factor. English weeks, stressful travel, intensive training sessions – even for a meticulous professional like Neuer, these demands leave their mark
Decision not just a question of willpower
At Säbener Straße, the development will be analyzed in detail. Neuer’s contract expires in the summer, and a decision on a possible extension will only be made after the end of the season. The keeper himself regularly emphasizes that his body is the decisive criterion. If he feels fit, he wants to continue
But the question is: is that enough of a basis for a decision? For FC Bayern, it’s not just about merit and identification, but also about sporting planning security. Three muscle injuries within a year are no coincidence, but a clear warning signal
In Jonas Urbig, a designated successor has long been ready. The 22-year-old has been allowed to mature in Neuer’s shadow and has shown in his previous appearances that he has the potential for the big stage. Everyone at FCB is convinced by Urbig, and Vincent Kompany recently emphasized that they have „total confidence“ in the young keeper
There is also the economic aspect. Neuer is still one of the top earners in the squad with an annual salary of around 20 million euros. If you add together the salaries of Urbig, Sven Ulreich and the loaned goalkeepers Daniel Peretz and Alexander Nübel, the club is currently investing the enormous sum of almost 40 million euros in the goalkeeping position. Especially in times of intensive contract negotiations and strict salary discipline, this is a factor that cannot be ignored
One thing is clear: Bayern are looking closely at the question of whether and how to continue with Neuer in the summer, as sporting director Max Eberl recently emphasized. According to the 52-year-old, there are clear conditions on the part of Munich for him to stay
Manuel Neuer has revolutionized the goalkeeping game and shaped FC Bayern like no other over the years. But even icons are not untouchable. In retrospect, the most recent injury could prove to be a turning point – for the player and for the club.