Manuel Neuer will not feature in Saturday's DFB Cup final between Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart in Berlin. The 40-year-old goalkeeper has been ruled out due to a muscle problem in his left calf, with Bayern Munich confirming the decision on Friday morning.
Although Neuer will travel to the capital to support his teammates, the club decided against risking their veteran stopper. Recovery is progressing positively, but a minor risk remains. The legendary custodian has opted for caution ahead of the upcoming World Cup in North America, where he is expected to reclaim Germany's number one shirt after Nagelsmann included him in the preliminary squad on Thursday.
Urbig's Biggest Test Yet
Jonas Urbig, Bayern's 22-year-old backup goalkeeper, will make his 20th appearance of the season in what is arguably the most significant match of his young career. The youngster has impressed during his opportunities and faces a baptism of fire against Stuttgart in the showpiece cup competition.
Neuer's absence continues a frustrating pattern of fitness struggles this season. The German shot-stopper has been sidelined three times already—in December, February, and March—with muscle-fibre tears plaguing his campaign. During Bayern's 5–1 demolition of 1. FC Köln last Saturday, he was withdrawn as a precaution when calf issues emerged.
Contract Extension Secured
Despite ongoing injury concerns, Neuer signed a contract extension through 2027 the day after that Köln victory, underscoring Bayern's faith in their captain. Vincent Kompany's squad also includes backup keepers Sven Ulreich and Jannis Bärtl, providing defensive depth for the final.
The DFB Cup final represents a crucial test for Urbig and Bayern's pursuit of silverware this season. With Neuer sidelined, Stuttgart will sense an opportunity, though Bayern remain heavy favorites despite the goalkeeper change. Germany's preparations begin Wednesday in Herzogenaurach as international football looms large.
