It was supposed to be a successful comeback evening for Manuel Neuer. After almost three weeks out injured, the Bayern captain was back between the posts for the 4-1 home win against Borussia Mönchengladbach. But the 39-year-old’s return ended at half-time – and is now causing new worries for FC Bayern
The record champions are in the middle of the decisive phase of the season, which would make the loss of their number 1 all the more bitter
Neuer suffered a torn muscle fibre in his calf during the away game in Bremen in mid-February and subsequently missed several games. The veteran now returned to the Munich goal against Gladbach
However, his comeback only lasted 45 minutes. Neuer had to stay in the dressing room at half-time with an ailment and was replaced by Jonas Urbig
This means that Bayern are threatened with another goalkeeper absence in the hot phase of the season
Kompany confirms new problems
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany confirmed after the game that it was not just a precautionary measure. „He felt something in his calf,“ explained the Belgian on Sky’s microphone after the match
Particularly explosive: it’s the same calf that caused Neuer problems just a few weeks ago
Question marks ahead of Atalanta game
It remains to be seen whether the Bayern captain will be fit in time for the upcoming Champions League match, as the Munich team will host Atalanta Bergamo in the first leg of the round of 16 on Tuesday
Kompany did not want to commit himself to the fitness of his keeper. „The next game is very short-term. I don’t want to speculate, let’s just wait and see,“ explained the Bayern coach
This leaves FC Bayern with an unpleasant uncertainty: if Neuer is ruled out again, Jonas Urbig will have to stand between the posts again in the important Champions League clash.