Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that fluid had accumulated in the 40-year-old goalkeeper’s foot, leaving the club waiting to see whether he could return for Wednesday’s match.
“It’s nothing serious. It’s just a bit of fluid on the foot, nothing dramatic. It wasn’t enough for today, so we’ll see whether it’s enough by Wednesday,” Eberl said.
Jonas Urbig deputised against Leipzig, having also filled in during Bayern’s recent Champions League draw with Viking Stavanger. Neuer had been expected to return for the Arsenal fixture, but Eberl’s update has left that prospect uncertain.
The injury comes amid renewed debate about Neuer’s position as Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper. The veteran was criticised after an error against Augsburg and has faced questions from former players about whether he should consider ending his career.
Lothar Matthäus believes the discussion has become excessive. Speaking to Sky before the Leipzig match, the former Germany captain argued that Bayern should have made any change to their goalkeeping hierarchy before the season began.
“The topic is being made too big. He made a mistake in Augsburg. But that decision should have been made before the season,” Matthäus said.
He expects Neuer to reclaim the position once he is fit, insisting that Bayern’s stance remains clear.
“No, Bayern see it the same way I do. If he’s fit, he’ll be back in goal.”
Oliver Kahn has taken a more critical view. The former Bayern goalkeeper questioned whether Neuer could avoid difficult moments by deciding when to retire, drawing on his own experience of playing into his late thirties.
“When you’re 36, 37, 38, I experienced it myself, the body needs longer to recover. Here and there, a mistake happens,” Kahn said.
The contrasting opinions have added to the attention surrounding Bayern’s goalkeeping situation, particularly with Urbig waiting for opportunities to establish himself.
For now, however, the immediate issue is Neuer’s fitness rather than a permanent change of status. Bayern must decide whether he can return against Arsenal, with Urbig ready to continue if the veteran is unavailable.