Manuel Neuer suffers season-ending injury after World Cup exit
By Tom Gott
Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he will not play again in the 2022/23 season after breaking his leg during a post-World Cup holiday.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper started all three group stage games for Germany but failed to keep a clean sheet as Die Mannschaft were surprisingly dumped out at the first hurdle.
Following the elimination, Neuer was granted some time off and he went on a skiing holiday, where he unfortunately broke his leg, and he has now confirmed that his season is over as a result.
"What can I say, the end of the year could have definitely gone better," he wrote on Instagram. "While I was trying to get my head clear while ski touring, I suffered a lower leg fracture.
"Yesterday's surgery went well. Many thanks to the doctors! However, it hurts to know that the current season is over for me."
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The 36-year-old is Bayern's club captain and has made 16 appearances this season, although the Bundesliga side did have to cope with his absence for a few weeks in October after Neuer was ruled out through injury.
In his place came 34-year-old Sven Ulreich, who could be set for an extended run in the team if Bayern decline to sign a replacement for Neuer.
Neuer's injury may also have an impact on the future of Alexander Nubel. The 26-year-old is currently on loan with Monaco but is reluctant to return and watch Neuer from the bench, having already admitted that he will not go back to Bayern while the veteran stopper is still number one.