Bayern Munich have confirmed that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer suffered a partial tendon tear in his right foot after being substituted early in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Mainz.
The club confirmed the injury on Sunday, according to Bundesliga’s news roundup, with Neuer forced off in the early stages of the Matchday 9 victory that kept Bayern level with Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga. Bayern said he will be out for at least six weeks, with reports projecting a return in January 2027 after the winter break — and a slower recovery could stretch his absence into February.
It is a significant blow for the champions, who rely on Neuer’s experience and distribution as much as his shot-stopping — and for Germany, with the international fixtures now just days away.
A blow at the worst time
Neuer’s injury came in a game Bayern won 2-1 thanks to goals from Joshua Kimmich and Lennart Karl, but the victory was overshadowed by the sight of their captain and goalkeeper leaving the field early. Phillip Tietz’s stoppage-time header for Mainz made for a nervy finish, and Bayern had to see out the remaining minutes without their first-choice goalkeeper.
The partial tendon tear is the kind of injury that can keep a player out for weeks rather than days, and Bayern’s medical staff will now work through the international break to assess the damage. The club have not given a firm return date beyond the six-week minimum, and the coming days will determine whether he needs surgery or can recover with rest and rehabilitation.
For a 40-year-old goalkeeper who has battled injuries in recent seasons, the setback is a reminder of how fragile a campaign can be — even for a side top of the league.
What it means for Bayern
Bayern’s depth in goal will now be tested. Twenty-three-year-old Jonas Urbig is set to take over starting duties, but Neuer’s presence — his command of the penalty area, his sweeping, his distribution — is difficult to replace. The international break at least gives the club time to prepare, with no Bundesliga game until November 21.
The injury also raises questions for Germany, who will be without their most experienced goalkeeper for the upcoming internationals. Bayern, meanwhile, will hope the break gives Neuer the time he needs — and that the tendon tear heals without the need for an operation.
What comes next
Bayern go into the break level with Dortmund on 21 points, with Freiburg two behind. Their next game, after the internationals, will be a test of their squad depth — and of how quickly Neuer can recover. For now, the champions wait on news from their medical team, and on a goalkeeper who has been the foundation of their success for more than a decade.
Read more: Bayern and Dortmund both win 2-1 to stay top of Bundesliga · Leverkusen win Rhine derby as Freiburg climb to third
