Manuel Neuer Hopes for Atlético Return As Bayern Waits on Foot Injury

Manuel Neuer hopes to be available for Bayern Munich’s Champions League visit to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, but his return remains unconfirmed after foot pain kept him out of Saturday’s meeting with Borussia Dortmund.

Sky reporter Kerry Hau reported the goalkeeper’s hopes of a comeback on Tuesday. Neuer expressed hope rather than confirming his fitness, according to RotoWire’s account of Hau’s report on October 31. A projected comeback should therefore not be treated as medical clearance.

Aaron Danks had explained the problem at Friday’s press conference. Bayern’s assistant coach said Neuer was still experiencing pain in his foot and that the staff would assess his condition from day to day before the following week’s fixtures.

The goalkeeper’s absence against Dortmund followed missed appearances at Freiburg and in the German Cup against Magdeburg. Jonas Urbig has been handling the goal while the captain works toward a return.

Neuer had returned for the Champions League match against Arsenal before discomfort recurred. His recovery concerns an ongoing foot problem, rather than a newly announced injury from Saturday’s game.

Bayern’s official European schedule confirms Tuesday’s match at the Metropolitano. Kickoff is listed for 3 p.m. EST on November 3. The team then continues its league program before another European away game at Lille on November 25.

Danks is overseeing the side while head coach Vincent Kompany recovers from his own health issue. The club has also been evaluating the injuries that forced Ismael Saibari, Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise out of the Dortmund game, making the next squad announcement relevant.

For Neuer, the important outstanding information is whether he can complete the necessary preparation and be included in the traveling group. His hopeful response identifies Tuesday as a possible return opportunity; it does not settle whether he or Urbig will start in Madrid.