Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced he will miss the remainder of the 2022/23 season through injury. Neuer suffered a leg fracture while on a skiing tour after the World Cup and has undergone surgery, ruling him out of action for several months.
The 36-year-old took to Instagram on Saturday morning to announce his injury, claiming he went skiing to ‘clear his head’ after Germany’s dismal World Cup campaign in Qatar. He confirmed the surgery to repair his leg was successful and will now start his road to recovery.
He wrote: “Hey guys, what can I say? The end of the year could have definitely gone better… While I was trying to get my head clear while ski touring, I suffered a lower leg fracture. Yesterday’s surgery went well. Many thanks to the doctors! However, it hurts to know that the current season is over for me. Take care! Your Manuel.”
The news is a significant blow to Bayern’s bid for domestic and European success this term, relying on Neuer as one of their most crucial players since his 2011 arrival from Schalke 04. He has made 488 appearances for the Bavarian giants, lifting a staggering 28 trophies and only failing to win the Bundesliga in his opening campaign.
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Bayern are four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, a gap only expected to grow toward an 11th consecutive title when club football returns. But Julian Nagelsmann’s side face a daunting task in the Champions League last 16, despite topping their group.
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain make up the mouth-watering tie, with belief growing in France that it is finally their time to clinch their maiden crown. Lionel Messi is potentially in his final season in Europe, Neymar isn’t getting any younger, and Kylian Mbappe is currently the world’s best.
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Sven Ulreich, Bayern’s 34-year-old backup goalkeeper, is set to be tasked with just as daunting a mission as keeping the trio at bay – filling Neuer’s gloves. Nagelsmann could also call upon Alex Nubel, who is spending the season on loan at AS Monaco.
Bayern return to action on January 20, facing RB Leipzig as their Bundesliga campaign resumes. But Neuer won’t play any further part and may spend the next several months licking his figurative wounds as his literal wounds heal after more World Cup heartbreak with Germany.
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