Manuel Neuer sidelined for Der Klassiker as new injury emerge

Manuel Neuer will miss Bayern Munich’s crucial title clash with Borussia Dortmund after scans confirmed a serious muscle tear in his left calf.

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for several weeks after sustaining a significant muscle fiber tear in his left calf.

The 39-year-old veteran was forced off during the first half of Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen.

This ill-timed injury officially sidelines the talismanic leader for the upcoming high-stakes “Der Klassiker” showdown against title rivals Borussia Dortmund on February 28.

Manager Vincent Kompany must now pivot to 22-year-old Jonas Urbig, who secured a clean sheet after replacing Neuer on Saturday.

While sporting director Max Eberl initially downplayed the severity, subsequent medical tests confirmed the lengthy layoff.

Kompany remains focused on the present despite Neuer’s expiring contract, stating, “At the moment, I have the best goalkeeper in Germany. We don’t want to waste energy talking about next season.”