Bayern Munich are sweating on the fitness of the Germany goalkeeper ahead of their Champions League clash with the Reds later this month. Manuel Neuer has not been included in the Bayern Munich squad to face Hertha Berlin in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday, as concerns grow over his availability to face Liverpool in less than two weeks time. Bayern’s skipper missed the weekend defeat to Bayern Leverkusen because of a hand injury sustained in training, and though he travelled to the capital ahead of Wednesday night’s clash, he was not included in the squad.
Sven Ulreich, who will start between the posts for Bayern in Neuer’s absence, said the club’s first-choice stopper had a thumb injury and reports have suggested that potential ligament damage could result in Neuer spending up to three months sidelined. Neuer had remained in training but despite making the trip to Berlin, Bayern boss Niko Kovac elected not to risk him, with teenager Christian Fruchtl on the bench as back up to Ulreich.
A post on Bayern’s Twiter account said: “For Manuel Neuer the cup match against Hertha Berlin came a bit early. “The captain had indeed traveled to Berlin. Niko Kovac, however, did not want to take any risk and therefore refrained from using the 32-year-old.” The first leg of Bayern’s Champions League tie with Liverpool will take place on February 19 at Anfield, with the return leg at the Allianz Arena three weeks later. It has already been confirmed that Thomas Muller will miss both matches after his two-match suspension was upheld by UEFA. Muller was sent off for a foul on Nicolas Tagliafico during the 3-3 draw with Ajax in December.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without star defender Virgil van Dijk for the first leg after picking up three yellow cards in the group stages, resulting in a one-match ban. If Neuer is to play a part in the first leg then he will surely need to prove his fitness in Bayern’s upcoming Bundesliga matches against Schalke and Augsburg.
Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince has warned Jurgen Klopp’s side that their leading lights must step up if their title challenge isn’t to fade at a crucial stage. Reigning champions Manchester City beat Everton on Wednesday night to return to the summit, closing what could have become a 10-point gap on January 3. Pep Guardiola was quick to send Liverpool a message about the title race after the match.
With the Reds dropping points in their last two games, goalkeeper Alisson has suggested ‘insecurity’ may be creeping into their performances – though that has been denied by defender Andy Robertson. And with all the pressure back on Liverpool against Bournemouth on Saturday, Ince – a title winner at Manchester United – has told two of Klopp’s senior stars they must lead from the front.