Bayern Munich handed major injury boost ahead of Arsenal Champions League clash

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is expected to be fit for the first leg of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Arsenal next month.

The 37-year-old recently returned to Bayern after suffering a muscle injury while training with the Germany squad last week.

Neuer's absence presented Barcelona shot-stooper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with the chance to feature in between the posts for the 2-0 victory over France on Saturday.

As a result of Neuer's injury blow, there has been some concern as to whether he will be ready to face Arsenal at the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on April 9.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has seemingly allayed those fears, insisting that Neuer will only be out for a short period and remains his first-choice goalkeeper.

«It's just a muscle fibre tear,» Nagelsmann told reporters. «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."

Neuer has made 24 competitive appearances for Bayern since returning to action in October following a 10-month absence due to a leg fracture.

While he should be ready for next month, Bayern goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner has revealed that Neuer is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's crucial Bundesliga meeting with Borussia Dortmund.

«We'll see next week how he's doing and when he can be back on the pitch,» Rechner told Sky Sports in Germany. «There's no pressure on him at all.

»Of course, it could be very, very tight for the game against Dortmund. I'm assuming at the moment that he probably won't play against Dortmund."

Thomas Tuchel's side are then set to face Heidenheim in an away