The 39-year-old was forced off before half-time in Bayern's 3-0 victory against Werder Bremen, with the club later confirming medical examinations revealed a torn muscle fibre in his left calf. Initial assessments had suggested the issue might not be serious, but further tests clarified the extent of the injury, leaving the German champions uncertain about his exact return date.

"FC Bayern will have to make do without captain Manuel Neuer for the time being. The keeper suffered a torn muscle fibre in his left calf in Saturday's Bundesliga match at Werder Bremen. This was confirmed by a thorough examination carried out by FC Bayern's medical unit," read a statement on the club's official website.

Neuer's withdrawal saw 22-year-old Jonas Urbig introduced at the interval, and the young stopper successfully preserved the clean sheet as Bayern comfortably closed out the win at the Weserstadion. The appearance added to Urbig's growing involvement this season, with the goalkeeper increasingly viewed internally as the long-term heir to Neuer's position.

Having joined Bayern from 1. FC Koln in January 2025, Urbig has largely operated as understudy but has already earned opportunities domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, where his performances have drawn attention. The injury now presents him with an extended opportunity to establish himself as first choice.

While Bayern have yet to confirm a definitive timeline for Neuer's recovery, early indications suggest he could miss several weeks of action. That would likely rule him out of the upcoming Klassiker clash with Borussia Dortmund, a fixture that could carry significant implications in the title race.

The absence of their long-standing No.1 comes at a demanding point in the campaign. Bayern, who currently sit six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, are approaching a run of high-profile fixtures that also includes meetings with Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen. With 12 league matches remaining, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining the direction of their season.

Can Borussia Dortmund defy Barcelona's Champions League first-leg rout?