Bayern dodge major injury concern before Champions League clash with Arsenal

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is expected to be fit for the Champions League showdown against Arsenal with Julian Nagelsmann confirming he has avoided a serious injury.

Neuer, 37, pulled out of the Germany squad for this month's friendlies against France and the Netherlands after suffering a muscle tear in training last week. He has since returned to Bayern to undergo rehabilitation, with Marc Andre ter Stegen starting in goal during their 2-0 win over the French on Saturday.

An injury to Neuer has raised question marks over his availability for the rest of the season and ahead of Bayern's two-legged Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal next month. Bayern travel to the Emirates on April 9 before hosting their Premier League opponents eight days later.

Fortunately for Bayern, Neuer is not anticipated to be out long-term after Nagelsmann suggested he will be available for the trip to north London in two weeks' time. "It's just a muscle fibre tear," he said.

"He won’t be out for eight months. So, I don’t change my opinion. I told Marc that I’m thankful to have him. Now, he has the chance to be there. But that doesn’t change my decision. Manuel will be out for ten days."

After recovering from a freak leg break during a skiing accident in December 2022, Neuer returned to action last October and has since reclaimed his place as No.1 and club captain. He has started in each of their last 18 Bundesliga matches, keeping six clean sheets in the process.

As for Bayern, they head into their Champions League quarter-final plagued with several issues. Thomas Tuchel will leave the club this summer, while Harry Kane was forced to withdraw from the England squad after picked up an ankle injury during the 5-2 victory over