Bayern Munich have confirmed that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer picked up an ankle injury in the Supercup victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Neuer spent the entirety of Tuesday’s game locked in a fascinating battle with Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, but it was in one collision with the Norwegian that he picked up a knock to his ankle which required brief treatment.
?? @Manuel_Neuer sustained a capsule injury in his right ankle during the Supercup victory over Dortmund, so the captain will not take part in today’s training. #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/CzsNrsQNlq
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 19, 2021
Neuer managed to continue the game and helped his side secure a memorable 3-1 victory, but Bayern have since confirmed on their official website that the injury was bad enough to keep the goalkeeper out of training on Thursday.
There’s no mention of just how severe the knock was or how long it will keep him sidelined, but Neuer’s involvement in Sunday’s meeting with Koln now appears to be in doubt.
With young Christian Fruchtl sidelined with a nasty collarbone injury, the job of deputising to Neuer has been left to the returning Sven Ulreich, who rejoined Bayern on a free transfer this summer after spending a year with Hamburg.
Neuer’s potential absence would be another defensive headache for Julian Nagelsmann to contend with. The boss is already missing Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez to ankle and knee injuries respectively and is now facing the prospect of losing his captain as well.
The 3-1 win over Dortmund was actually Nagelmann’s first since joining Bayern. The Bundesliga champions failed to win in pre-season and then went on to draw their first league game of the season as they came from behind to claim a point against Borussia Monchengladbach.
The hope will be that the team can take the momentum built up from this latest trophy lift and get themselves going in the Bundesliga, although losing Neuer won’t make that any easier.