Doubts surround Manuel Neuer’s availability for Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash against Arsenal, as the veteran goalkeeper continues to struggle with the injury that ruled him out of the club’s recent fixtures.
Statements from Max Eberl, Bayern’s board member for sport, have added further ambiguity regarding the readiness of the team captain, who was unable to return against RB Leipzig despite the technical staff waiting on updates about his condition until the final days leading up to the match.
Neuer is suffering from fluid buildup in his foot after complaining of the issue following the 2-2 draw with Augsburg on October 10. The problem persisted throughout the following week, forcing him to miss the European fixture against Norwegian side Viking, as well as the resounding 6-1 victory over Leipzig.
“There was some fluid in the foot,” Eberl said in comments reported by Bild. Asked about the possibility of Neuer returning against Arsenal, he added: “We’ll see if there will be enough time until Wednesday.”
Jonas Urbig took over between the posts for the Bavarians against Leipzig and remains the favorite to deputize for Neuer should his absence continue. The 23-year-old goalkeeper joined from 1. FC Köln in January 2025 on a contract running through 2029, having previously received his European debut when Neuer sustained an injury against Bayer Leverkusen in March of the same year.
Neuer has made four Bundesliga appearances this season, conceding three goals, keeping two clean sheets, and making nine saves. In the Champions League, he has featured in one match, recording a clean sheet.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper is currently in his 16th season with Bayern, having joined from Schalke in the summer of 2011. During his glittering spell in Munich, he has won the Champions League twice and secured 13 Bundesliga titles, remaining one of the team’s most experienced figures on big nights.
Bayern host Arsenal on Wednesday, October 21, in the third round of the Champions League league phase, following their recent 3-3 European draw against Viking. With no definitive date set for Neuer’s return, the final training sessions before the clash will prove decisive in determining his availability.
