Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer will officially miss the 2026 DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart due to injury. The 40-year-old goalkeeper is currently recovering from a muscle strain in his left calf, an injury sustained during the final Bundesliga match of the season against Cologne last week.
Risk Management for the World Cup
According to Sky Sports, Neuer’s recovery process is progressing positively. However, the veteran shot-stopper has decided not to risk his fitness for the clash at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
His primary focus remains on being 100% fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is set to represent the German national team once again.
The Rise of Jonas Urbig
In Neuer’s absence, the young and talented Jonas Urbig will guard the Bavarian giants’ goal in Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown.
This will be Urbig’s final club appearance of the season before he also heads to the World Cup with Germany. Unlike Neuer, Urbig will not be part of the official tournament squad; instead, he will travel as a fourth goalkeeper to assist the main trio during training sessions.
Germany’s Goalkeeping Hierarchy
Neuer recently accepted Julian Nagelsmann’s request to come out of international retirement, confirming he will be Germany’s number one in the upcoming World Cup.
Oliver Baumann is expected to be the second-choice keeper, with Alexander Nübel serving as the third. By skipping the cup final, Neuer ensures that his final international campaign starts without any physical setbacks.
