Manuel Neuer out of Bayern Munich’s Champions League trip to Viking FK
Manuel Neuer has been ruled out of Bayern Munich’s European trip to Norway after suffering a foot problem in the 2-2 draw against Augsburg.
What we know
- Neuer missed Bayern’s final two training sessions before the match at the SR-Bank Arena and will not start against Viking FK.
- The 40-year-old felt discomfort after the Augsburg game. Bayern will not take a chance on him until he is fully fit.
- His absence denies Neuer a 163rd appearance in the competition, leaving him short of the marks set by Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Neuer had recently come under scrutiny after Bayern conceded the quickest goal in Bundesliga history.
- Jamal Musiala will also miss the Norway trip as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury.
Urbig set for Bayern opportunity
Jonas Urbig is expected to take Neuer’s place in goal for what would be his third Bayern appearance of the season.
The goalkeeper has recently made his senior Germany debut during the international break and is viewed as a major prospect after arriving from Koln. He has already featured in a cup final and in several Champions League games.
Bayern believe the minutes are aiding Urbig’s development, with the club backing him to handle another significant assignment.
Neuer’s availability beyond the Viking match remains unclear. Bayern will reassess the foot issue, but the immediate plan is to avoid aggravating the problem. Harry Kane is set to lead the attack in Norway, while Bayern must also cope without Musiala.
