Neuer sidelined by calf Injury ahead of Cup final

Bayern Munich captain and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been ruled out of full training due to a muscle problem in his left calf, just one week before the German Cup final. 

The Bundesliga champions confirmed the news on Sunday via their official website.

“Neuer must scale back his workload for the time being due to a muscle problem in his left calf,” the club stated. 

While Bayern did not provide a specific timeline for his recovery, the timing is far from ideal as the team prepares to face Stuttgart in Berlin next Saturday. Victory would secure a historic 14th league-and-cup double for the Bavarians.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who recently signed a contract extension until summer 2027, was substituted after an hour during Saturday’s dominant 5-1 Bundesliga victory over Cologne. 

This marks the third time in recent weeks that Neuer has been forced to leave the pitch due to issues with the same left calf muscle.

Despite retiring from international football shortly after Euro 2024 on home soil, speculation has grown about a potential comeback for the 2026 World Cup, which begins in less than a month. 

German media reports indicate that the 2014 World Cup winner is included on an extended 55-player preliminary list submitted to FIFA this week. 

From this pool, coach Julian Nagelsmann will select his final squad of 23 to 26 players, along with potential injury replacements.

Nagelsmann is scheduled to announce Germany’s squad on Thursday in Frankfurt. Neuer’s experience and leadership remain vital for Bayern both domestically and in Europe.

His latest setback adds uncertainty to the club’s end-of-season plans and raises questions about his fitness heading into the summer. 

Bayern fans and national team observers will be closely monitoring updates on the goalkeeper’s condition in the coming days.