Setback for Bayern ahead of Champions League clash: Neuer forced to delay return

Manuel Neuer’s return to action for Bayern Munich has suffered another setback, raising fresh concerns for the club just weeks before a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Inter Milan.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper had been on track to return to full fitness after missing several key matches, but a new calf injury picked up during training has forced him to delay his comeback yet again. This latest issue not only rules him out of Bayern’s immediate domestic fixtures against FC St. Pauli and FC Augsburg, but also casts serious doubt over his availability for the high-stakes European tie on April 8.

Neuer initially injured himself in an unusual way while celebrating a goal during the first leg of Bayern’s Champions League Round of 16 matchup against Bayer Leverkusen. That moment sidelined him for the decisive second leg, as well as Bundesliga matches against VfL Bochum and Union Berlin. At the time, Bayern’s medical staff expected a relatively short recovery period, and Neuer had already resumed light training with the intention of returning after the international break. However, those plans have now been derailed.

According to Kicker and several other reliable German outlets, the setback occurred during one of Bayern’s closed training sessions last week. Neuer felt discomfort in his calf, and subsequent tests confirmed a new strain. Given his age and injury history, Bayern are taking no risks with his recovery, especially with the Champions League entering its most intense phase. With Neuer turning 39 this Thursday, every physical issue naturally attracts more caution from the club’s medical team.

The absence of their captain and first-choice goalkeeper for such an important part of the season is a blow for Bayern Munich and new head coach Vincent Kompany. Neuer’s experience, leadership and big-game mentality are viewed as irreplaceable, particularly in Champions League fixtures where pressure and fine margins often decide outcomes.

In the meantime, Jonas Urbig is expected to take over goalkeeping duties. The 21-year-old, who arrived in January from FC Köln, was initially seen as a long-term investment, but circumstances have forced him into the spotlight much sooner than anticipated. Urbig recently pulled out of Germany’s U21 squad with a minor foot issue, but that was precautionary and he has already resumed full training. Bayern’s coaching staff reportedly have full confidence in the young keeper’s ability to step up when needed.

This injury comes at a time when Bayern’s season is approaching a decisive stretch. They are still in contention for European glory but face stiff competition domestically and internationally. With matches against St. Pauli and Augsburg serving as potential preparation for the Inter clash, the team would have preferred to reintegrate Neuer slowly, giving him minutes to rebuild sharpness and confidence. That option now seems off the table, and the club will have to monitor his condition closely in the days ahead.

Neuer’s absence also impacts the dressing room dynamic. As club captain and one of the last remaining players from Bayern’s treble-winning squad of 2013, his presence on the pitch and in the locker room is significant. Even when not playing, he remains a vocal and influential figure, but there’s no doubt his leadership is most effective when he's between the posts.

Bayern fans will now wait anxiously for updates on Neuer’s progress, especially with the Inter Milan tie looming large. Whether he makes it back in time or not could play a big role in Bayern’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals. If he doesn't recover in time, it will be up to Urbig to shoulder the pressure and show he’s ready to handle the challenge on Europe’s biggest stage.