Manuel Neuer faces race to be fit for Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Arsenal after adductor injury forces veteran goalkeeper out of Germany squad

Germany and Bayern Munich have been dealt a blow after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer suffered a left adductor injury in training.

The 37-year-old will miss his team’s friendlies against France on March 23 and the Netherlands on March 26.

He will then face a race to be fit for Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, with the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on April 9.

A statement released by the German national team read: ‘Manuel Neuer left early due to a torn muscle fibre in his left adductor and is out of the two upcoming international matches.

Manuel Neuer has been forced to withdraw from the latest Germany squad after suffering an injury – and faces a fitness race ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final

Neuer in action with Germany before the friendly double-header with France and Netherlands

Neuer celebrates Bayern’s win over Lazio to reach the last eight of the Champions League

‘He sustained the injury in training that morning. Get well soon, Manu.’

Julian Nagelsmann will now choose from Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Fulham’s Bernd Leno and Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann to be in goal for the two games.

Neuer suffered a broken leg while skiing after Germany’s early exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and only returned to action in October 2023.

Neuer returned to the Bayern team, as captain, in late October and has reestablished himself as No 1 ahead of Sven Ulreich.

He hasn’t played for Germany since the World Cup but was expected to add to his 117 international appearances against France.