Manuel Neuer is nearing a return in goal for Bayern Munich against Arsenal after resuming training following an injury that sidelined him for the Bavarian side’s last two matches.
According to Sky Sport Germany, the Bayern captain participated in team training on Monday, increasing the likelihood of his appearance in the European fixture, though the final decision remains tied to his foot’s response and the complete clearance of the injury’s effects.
The issue stems from a fluid buildup in his foot, which prevented him from featuring against Viking Stavanger in the Champions League and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, with Jonas Urbig stepping in to guard the goal during both matches.
Max Eberl, Bayern’s board member for sport, commented on the injury: “It is nothing serious; there was just some fluid in the foot, nothing to worry about.”
He added following the Leipzig match: “It wasn’t enough to play today,” after Neuer missed the 6-1 victory, which followed a 3-3 European draw against Viking.
Neuer has made four Bundesliga appearances this season totaling 360 minutes, keeping two clean sheets and conceding three goals at a rate of 0.75 goals per match, alongside making nine saves.
In the Champions League, he featured in one match against Bodø/Glimt, which ended in a 5-0 victory for Bayern, bringing his tally to three clean sheets across five total appearances in the league and European competition, conceding just three goals.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper is continuing his 16th season with Bayern since joining from Schalke in 2011, having helped lead them to Champions League glory in 2013 and 2020 while remaining one of their standout figures throughout this period.
Bayern host Arsenal on Wednesday evening, October 21, at the Allianz Arena for the third matchday of the league phase, with final tests set to determine Neuer’s status. If he is unable to feature, Jonas Urbig will continue to start in goal.
