Fit in time for the second half of the season? This is the status of Manuel Neuer

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·9 January 2026

Fit in time for the second half of the season? This is the status of Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is on the verge of returning to the FC Bayern goal. After weeks out due to a torn muscle fibre, the 39-year-old should be back between the posts in time for the start of the second half of the Bundesliga season. The captain is therefore likely to celebrate his comeback in the home game against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday evening

The veteran had suffered an injury in mid-December and had to take a break since then. Neuer was also absent from the 5-0 friendly win against RB Salzburg during the week. But now the green light has been given: as reported by BILD, the goalkeeper took part in full team training again on Thursday and reported that he was ready for action in time for the start of competitive matches in the new year

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Urbig convinces – but hierarchy remains clear

photo: IMAGO

From Bayern’s point of view, the captain’s return comes at the right time. The record champions want to get back into the rhythm without delay and are relying on the experience of their long-time regular goalkeeper. Those responsible had recently not put any time pressure on Neuer and emphasized that they did not want to take any risks with him. The fact that the goalkeeper is now training with full intensity is a clear signal: the torn muscle fibre is over, the captain is ready

In Neuer’s absence, Jonas Urbig has made the most of his opportunity. The 22-year-old put in a commanding performance in the 4-0 win in Heidenheim and in the test match against Salzburg, keeping a clean sheet in both cases. His performances underlined why Bayern have high hopes for the young keeper

However, this does not change the basic distribution of roles. According to BILD, Kompany is sticking to the clear goalkeeper hierarchy. Neuer remains the undisputed number one, Urbig his deputy and first challenger. At the same time, the young keeper will get regular match practice – as he did in the first half of the season. Urbig has already made five appearances this season.