FC Bayern München goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has suffered a partial tear of the tendon in his right foot, casting uncertainty over his return to the pitch.
The diagnosis follows an early substitution during a recent match and a brief comeback against Atlético Madrid, where the 40-year-old had celebrated his return after missing five competitive fixtures. According to SPORT1 information, an absence of roughly six to eight weeks must be anticipated.
Prior to the diagnosis, Neuer had stated on Wednesday that he was mega happy
following the 2:0 victory in Madrid and expressed his hope to return to the Estadio Metropolitano as the number one for the Champions League final, which would mark the anticipated end of his career, with his likely final contract expiring in the summer.
Dr. Markus Salzmann noted that if complications arise due to Neuer’s age and previous damage, an extended recovery could theoretically occur, with prognostications of six months and more in numerous publications.
Dr. Markus Salzmann, an orthopedist who treats Germany’s under-16 national team, explained to ran.de that the injury involves the peroneal tendons on the outside of the ankle.
Salzmann noted that conservative treatment could span two to three months if the tear is minor, but warned that a prolonged recovery or surgical intervention might push the timeline out significantly. Salzmann also emphasized that Neuer must not return to training too early, pointing out that chronic irritation matches the player’s prior reports of continuous discomfort.
Meanwhile, former player Mario Basler criticized Neuer’s physical management and suggested the goalkeeper should consider stepping away from the sport. According to Sport1.de, Basler remarked in his podcast that Neuer should not risk his health at 40 years old
and advocated for backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig to receive regular playing time.
Basler considered Neuer’s appearance in the recent 2:1 match against Mainz 05 entirely unnecessary, questioning why the goalkeeper insisted on playing instead of staying home for treatment when fourteen days remained until the next fixture, and remarked that the 57-year-old sometimes misses the right time to depart.
Basler’s comments mirror similar sentiments expressed by European Championship winner Steffen Freund during the Sunday broadcast of the Sport1.de Doppelpass, where Freund argued that players who are no longer fully fit should yield their positions.
Freund stated, Ich würde jetzt auch die Chance nutzen, Jonas Urbig zur Nummer 1 zu machen, and added, Wenn ich nicht mehr fit bin, dann darfst du auch nicht mehr spielen, noting that Neuer failed to execute a perfect departure.
Neuer acknowledged lingering physical struggles prior to the recent setback, stating to ran.de that he had experienced daily pain while walking.
