Manuel Neuer has been forced to withdraw from the Germany international squad due to a left adductor injury sustained during training.
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Neuer suffered a fresh injury setbackGermany return delayedLooks uncertain for UCL tie against ArsenalGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Neuer's injury comes at a crucial juncture for both club and country. With Bayern Munich set to face Arsenal in the quarter-final of the Champions League on April 9, the absence of their experienced goalkeeper poses a significant challenge for the Bavarian giants. Prior to the Champions League clash, Bayern have domestic encounters against Borussia Dortmund and Heidenheim as they strive to close the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
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The injury setback leaves Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann with limited goalkeeping options for the upcoming matches. Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Fulham's Bernd Leno, and Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann are now the primary candidates to fill the void left by Neuer's absence.
WHAT BAYERN MUNICH SAID
Bayern put out a statement that read: "Manuel Neuer tore a muscle fibre in his left adductor during training for the German national team. This was the result of an investigation by the DFB medical department. The FC Bayern captain is out of the upcoming international matches against France and the Netherlands and will return to Munich."
DID YOU KNOW?
Neuer's injury history is notable, having previously suffered a leg fracture during a skiing tour in December 2022. Despite the setback, Neuer displayed remarkable resilience, returning to action in October 2023 and would have played for the first time with die Mannschaft since the World Cup 2022 exit.