MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has undergone surgery to remove a piece of metal from his right fibula that he broke while skiing last season.
The German champion revealed on Monday that Neuer had “successfully” undergone surgery the day before.
“Then the Bayern captain immediately continued rehabilitation training,” the club added, without specifying the timing of Neuer’s possible return to the squad.
Bayern open the season on Saturday against RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup and kick off their Bundesliga title defense with a visit to Werder Bremen on 18 August.
Neuer, 37, has not played since last year’s World Cup. In December, he broke his leg while skiing. He did not participate in the pre-season tour of Japan and Singapore.
Swiss goalkeeper Jann Sommer, who signed in January to replace Neuer during his sacking, and longtime substitute Sven Ulreich have alternated in goal.
According to press reports, Sommer was close to signing a contract with Inter Milan. Another Bayern goalkeeper, Alexander Nübel, was loaned to Stuttgart.
Bayern would have tested other goalkeepers on the transfer market other than the club’s interest in signing English striker Harry Kane.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Neuer’s recovery, there are questions about how long he will be out and it’s difficult to determine how many games the replacement will play.
He will also wake up the season in the German team hosting the Eurocup next year.
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