8Views
Bayern Munich’s experienced goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, will not play in the big Champions League quarter-final match against Inter Milan. He has been training alone to recover, as reports say. The team hopes he might return next week, maybe as soon as their next Bundesliga game.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Bayern Munich announced that Neuer, who is healing from a calf injury, will not travel with the team to play Inter Milan on Wednesday. He missed the first match of the quarter-final, and his absence hurts Bayern’s chances. They need to come back from a 2-1 loss in the first leg in Munich. Neuer, who is 39 years old, has not played for several weeks and is still training individually to get back in shape.
Without Neuer, 21-year-old Jonas Urbig will likely play as the goalkeeper again. Urbig has not kept a clean sheet in the Champions League yet, and his performance in this high-pressure game is crucial for Bayern’s hope to reach the semi-finals.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neuer’s absence adds to Bayern’s injury troubles. Other important players like Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, and Kingsley Coman are also injured, making manager Vincent Kompany’s job harder. Bayern’s defense was weak in the first game, where they gave up two goals. The task is tough for Bayern as Inter Milan comes to the second leg feeling strong after a recent win in Serie A.
Bayern leads the Bundesliga now. They want to fix their defense and do well in Europe, even without their famous goalkeeper in this important game.
WHAT NEXT?
Bayern Munich needs to focus quickly as they travel to Milan. They aim to win by at least two goals to move to the next stage. Their following Bundesliga game against FC Heidenheim might see Neuer’s return, which can help as they have many games coming up. On the other hand, Inter Milan wants to keep their lead and advance to the semi-finals. They know Bayern can still be dangerous even with missing players.
