Major Injury Update: Manuel Neuer set to miss rest of 2024

Before Bayern's Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, Kompany told reporters that Neuer "probably won't play again this year," according to France24. This follows last week's disastrous collision between the 38-year-old and Frimpong of Leverkusen, which resulted in the German goalkepper red card and a serious injury. Due to a broken rib, Bayern Munich goalie Manuel Neuer will be out for the remainder of the season.

Along with several other Bayern players, Manuel Neuer was sidelined for Saturday's Bundesliga victory over Heidenheim. During last week's German Cup defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, the 38-year-old sustained injuries after colliding with an opponent and receiving his first-ever straight red card. Ahead of the UCL match against Shakhtar Donetsk, as per Kompany's update on the Manuel Neuer situation. 

During the pre-match press conference Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said,  "He's got a broken rib, which means he probably won't play again this year. What's important is that it heals now. Hopefully from the start of January we'll have Manu back, but for now it's too early." Addressing broader concerns about Bayern's injury list, he added: "We're missing a lot of players, but I think we've come through well so far," as per Goal.com.

Bayern Munich struggling with injury

It hasn't exactly been easy sailing for their long-standing number Bayern Munich goalkeeper, even though Kompany's squad appears to be on track to finish 2024 at the top of the Bundesliga table following a strong start. Sven Ulreich, Bayern's backup goalkeeper, received criticism for mistakes in the past, so he's not exactly a good fit to replace Neuer at the moment. According to France24, Ulreich is now out for personal reasons. In the upcoming weeks, Bayern will therefore have to rely on Daniel Peretz, their third-choice goalkeeper.

According to coach Kompany, the Bundesliga leader has performed admirably thus far to make up for the absences, which already include top scorer Harry Kane, Joao Palhinha, Alphonso Davies, and Serge Gnabry. The winter break is quickly approaching. The Bavarians are one point outside of the top eight, who automatically go to the round of 16, in 13th place with nine points in the Champions League standings.