# Neuer Injury Opens Door for Urbig at Bayern Munich Manuel Neuer's partial tendon tear creates a pivotal opportunity for backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig. - **Source:** [DW – Top Stories](https://www.dw.com/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6a4d8fde-55d8-414b-80cc-9d1748faa43a ## Neuer sustains foot injury Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was substituted during the recent Bundesliga match against Mainz due to severe pain in his right foot. Medical examinations confirmed a partial tendon tear, an injury that typically requires six to twelve weeks of recovery. Given his history of foot issues, this timeline remains uncertain for the veteran. ## Urbig steps into spotlight With Neuer sidelined, Jonas Urbig is set to become the de-facto first-choice goalkeeper for Bayern Munich. This transition provides the young keeper with essential playing time, which is a critical factor for national team consideration. Urbig must now prove his capabilities at the highest level to secure his long-term future in Munich. ## National team hierarchy remains Despite the change at club level, Marc-André ter Stegen remains the undisputed number one for the German national team under coach Jürgen Klopp. While Urbig received two starts during his first international break, he continues to serve as an understudy. Klopp currently faces no immediate pressure to alter his established goalkeeping hierarchy. ## Neuer's record-breaking career The match against Mainz marked Neuer's 550th Bundesliga appearance. At 40 years and 225 days old, he also became the oldest player to feature in a league match for Bayern Munich. These milestones underscore his legendary status, yet they also highlight the physical toll of a career spanning over two decades of professional football. ## Calls for retirement grow Sepp Maier, a member of West Germany's 1974 World Cup winning team, has publicly suggested that Neuer should consider retirement. The 82-year-old legend noted that even a player of Neuer's caliber cannot indefinitely stave off the physical decline that comes with age. Maier believes Neuer has already proven everything necessary in his career. ## Contract status and future Manuel Neuer's current contract with Bayern Munich is set to expire in the summer. With his recent injury and the emergence of Urbig, the club faces a significant decision regarding their goalkeeping future. The upcoming months will be instrumental in determining whether Neuer continues his career or if the club transitions to Urbig. ## Ter Stegen's injury concerns While ter Stegen is the current preferred choice for Germany, he has also become increasingly injury-prone in recent years. This vulnerability creates a potential opening for Urbig if he performs well at Bayern. The national team landscape remains fluid, and Urbig is positioned to capitalize on any further absences among the veteran keepers. ## Strategic implications for Bayern The injury forces Bayern Munich to rely on their depth during a crucial phase of the season. Urbig's performance will dictate the club's transfer strategy and contract negotiations in the coming months. This period serves as a definitive test for the young goalkeeper to prove he can lead the team's defensive line. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dw.com/en/neuer-injury-gives-urbig-chance-to-shape-bayern-and-germany-future/a-79910042?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-rdf — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._