Manuel Neuer is not expected to bring forward his retirement despite suffering a partial tendon tear in his right foot, according to Sky Sport.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was injured during his side’s Bundesliga match against Mainz, having only just returned from a previous lay-off. Neuer was unable to complete the first half and was replaced by Jonas Urbig.
He is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months, raising concerns about his fitness and prompting German media to question whether he could end his career earlier than planned.
Neuer’s contract with Bayern Munich runs until June 2027, but Sky Sport reports that the 40-year-old remains intent on completing the current season and ending his playing career according to the original plan.
Bayern have nevertheless begun considering their goalkeeping options. The club is looking for a first-choice goalkeeper, or a deputy depending on the role required, and has identified Oliver Baumann, Bernd Leno and Loris Karius among possible candidates.
Neuer vows to focus on recovery
Neuer, who is Bayern Munich’s captain as well as their goalkeeper, addressed supporters after sustaining the injury against Mainz. He said he was determined to overcome the setback and return to action, but did not comment on his future or the speculation that he could retire at the end of the season.
In a message posted on his personal Instagram account, Neuer wrote: “An injury never comes at a good time, but it is part of the game. I have been through this before and I will overcome it this time too. From now on, my entire focus will be on recovery. Until then, I will support my team-mates on the pitch with everything I have. I really appreciate all your encouraging messages.”
The Mainz match had already been a landmark occasion for Neuer. At 40 years and 225 days, he became the oldest player to appear for Bayern Munich in a Bundesliga match.
Champions League record
Neuer had also reached a significant European milestone earlier in the campaign.
He started Bayern Munich’s Champions League league-phase meeting with Atletico de Madrid, making his 164th appearance in the competition. That took him past former team-mate Thomas Muller, who finished with 163 Champions League appearances, and made Neuer the most-capped German player in the tournament.
The appearance also moved Neuer into third place in the overall list of Champions League appearances. He went ahead of both Lionel Messi and Muller, who each recorded 163 matches.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 183 appearances, and former Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, with 177, have played more games in the competition.
