Manuel Neuer out for season after skiing accident
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has suffered a leg fracture while on a skiing trip. The injury will unfortunately keep the keeper on the sidelines for the remainder of Bayern Munich’s current campaign.
Neuer makes official injury statement
Following the surgery, Neuer made an official statement regarding the injury on Instagram.
“What can I say, the end of the year could have definitely gone better … While I was trying to get my head clear while ski touring, I suffered a lower leg fracture,” said Neuer.
“Yesterday’s surgery went well. Many thanks to the doctors! However, it hurts to know that the current season is over for me.”
Neuer started all three matches for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar.
Despite being favorites to qualify for the knockout round, the 11th-ranked Germans failed to advance passed the group stage. It was the second consecutive disappointing World Cup for the 2014 champions.
Bayern officials stunned by news
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn was shocked by the freak injury. “The news of Manuel’s injury shocked us all,” proclaimed the former goalkeeper.
“We will stand by him and support him on his way to his comeback. He will overcome this serious injury and return to the pitch as strong as before.”
Team board member Hasan Salihamidžić confirmed that the surgery went well and that Neuer will bounce back. “I spoke to him yesterday and today, and the surgery went as well as possible,” claimed Salihamidžić. “Manuel will receive all the support he needs.
He is a strong personality and he will be back. I wish him all the best, he can rely on FC Bayern!”
The star keeper will be 37 the next time that he plays for Bayern. Neuer previously signed a two-year extension to remain with the German giants until 2024. It seems as if the former World Cup winner will have one last campaign with the club.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Ulrich Wagner