Bayern Munich, the champion and leader of the German football league, will lose the services of its goalkeeper and captain, Manuel Neuer, due to a calf muscle tear, as the club announced yesterday. The 39-year-old was substituted during the break in the match the day before yesterday, which Bayern won 3-0 against Werder Bremen, allowing them to extend their lead over rivals Borussia Dortmund to six points. Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, said Neuer's substitution was a 'precautionary measure' and the injury 'is not dramatic'. However, the medical examination Neuer underwent yesterday revealed that the tear was more serious than expected. In a statement yesterday, the club said: 'Bayern Munich will have to play without Manuel Neuer for the time being' without specifying the duration of their captain's absence.
