MUNICH — Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, will miss the German Cup final due to a calf injury. However, sporting director Max Eberl assured that Neuer’s spot on the Germany World Cup team remains secure.
Bayern announced on Friday that the 40-year-old Neuer will not participate in the cup final against defending champions Stuttgart because of “muscle issues in his left calf.”
– Watch the 2026 German Cup final on ESPN
– Injuries Tracker: Updates on World Cup players including USMNT’s Richards
– World Cup Squads Announced: Foden and Palmer out for England
Neuer’s return to Germany’s World Cup roster, following a two-year international retirement, was a highlight of the squad announcement this past Thursday. Coach Julian Nagelsmann noted that Bayern’s captain will assume the role of the No. 1 goalkeeper during the tournament.
Eberl stated that Neuer is expected to recover in time for a fifth World Cup appearance.
“The World Cup is not in jeopardy, but he won’t be playing tomorrow,” Eberl said during an event in Berlin on Friday, according to AFP. “The recovery time is simply too short following his injury.”
“This was a collective decision, albeit a tough one for Manu to accept sitting out the final.”
Neuer, who has faced injuries frequently this season, sustained this latest blow during Bayern’s recent Bundesliga match against Cologne. The club indicated the next day that he “requires a break for the time being” without further details.
Germany’s initial match is against newcomer Curacao in Houston on June 14. The four-time champions will also compete against Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E. Preparations are set to begin in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria on May 27, with warmup matches against Finland in Mainz on May 31, and the United States in Chicago on June 6.
With Neuer sidelined, backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig will start against Stuttgart.
“We’ve stated numerous times that our goalkeeping department is solid,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said at a news conference.
“The goalkeepers collaborate incredibly well. By chance, Jonas has already faced Stuttgart twice prior. We had complete confidence in him when he debuted against Leverkusen in the Champions League, as well as for Stuttgart. We’re hopeful for his performance.”
This report includes contributions from the Associated Press and PA.