FC Bayern: Neuer misses Borussia Dortmund match

FC Bayern Munich will take the pitch for Saturday’s Bundesliga top-match against Borussia Dortmund without Manuel Neuer, interim coaching staff confirmed on Friday. The goalkeeper continues to battle persistent foot pain that has sidelined him for weeks, leaving Jonas Urbig to make his seventh appearance of the season at the Allianz Arena.

The absence of Neuer highlights a mounting injury list for the reigning league leaders as they prepare to face a rival sharing the exact same point total at the summit of the table. Kickoff for the high-stakes clash is set for 18:30 local time on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Munich. While Neuer remains out of contention due to a tendon irritation in his foot, his status for the upcoming midweek Champions League trip to face Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, remains undecided.

Aaron Danks Rules Out Neuer and Confirms Urbig in Goal

Addressing reporters at the Säbener Straße press facility, assistant coach Aaron Danks — who continues to step in while Vincent Kompany recovers from a recent health emergency — delivered the definitive news on the 40-year-old goalkeeper. “It comes a bit too early for Manuel Neuer, he still has pain in his foot. He has to keep looking,” Danks said during Friday’s press conference.

Neuer’s absence means 23-year-old Jonas Urbig will man the posts for the third match. Urbig previously filled in during a 6:1 DFB-Pokal victory over 1. FC Magdeburg and a 3:1 league win at SC Freiburg, following a brief return by Neuer in a 2:2 Champions League draw against Arsenal. Beyond the goalkeeping situation, Danks confirmed that Bayern will also be without Jamal Musiala, who is recovering from a right thigh fiber tear; Luis Díaz, sidelined by a left thigh muscle bundle tear; and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye following an emergency appendectomy.

Joshua Kimmich Considers Return Following Family Tragedy

While the defensive spine loses its player, Joshua Kimmich could make an emotional return to the squad for the Dortmund fixture. Kimmich has spent time on compassionate leave following the sudden death of his father, Berthold Kimmich, at the age of 57. The 31-year-old midfielder missed three consecutive fixtures, sitting out the matches against Arsenal, Freiburg, and Magdeburg.

FC Bayern: Neuer misses Borussia Dortmund match — Photo: BILD

Sporting director Max Eberl addressed the delicate situation surrounding the player during media availability, noting that football has momentarily taken a backseat to personal grief. “Jo bekommt die Zeit, die er braucht. Es ist keine einfache Zeit für ihn,” Eberl remarked. Danks provided a cautiously optimistic update on Friday, stating that Kimmich completed individual training sessions and was scheduled to join full team training for the first time on Friday. “Jo Kimmich hat bisher individuell trainiert und wird heute erstmals mit dem Team trainieren. Wir schauen dann, wie es bei ihm weitergeht,” Danks told reporters regarding Kimmich’s potential availability.

Max Eberl Emphasizes Table Parity and Club Solidarity

With both Bayern and Borussia Dortmund deadlocked at the top of the Bundesliga standings after seven matches, Max Eberl emphasized the magnitude of the upcoming fixture. “Das bedeutet automatisch Augenhöhe. Es ist ein großes Spiel, ein großer Klassiker. Wir haben großen Respekt vor Dortmund, wie sie uns die letzten eineinhalb Jahre gefordert und angetrieben haben. Trotzdem wollen wir gewinnen und diese Augenhöhe verlassen,” Eberl stated.

The club’s management also reaffirmed their strict stance regarding Vincent Kompany. Following a recent medical collapse attributed to a Hirnhautreizung, Kompany is resting away from club business. Confirming that the coaching staff has received explicit instructions not to consult him on tactics or team selection, Danks stressed the priority of his superior’s health: “Absolut nicht! Wir nehmen das wirklich ernst. Ich habe da auch klare Anweisung, ihn nicht in irgendwelige Diskussionen hineinzuziehen. Es geht um seine Gesundheit, um die Zeit mit der Familie, damit er ausgeruht und in bester Verfassung zurückkommt.”

Match Officials and Next Fixtures on the Horizon

Saturday’s showdown at the Allianz Arena carries immediate implications for the German championship race before both clubs shift their focus back to European competition. Following the conclusion of the Bundesliga fixture, Bayern Munich will travel to Spain to face Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, where medical staff will re-evaluate Manuel Neuer’s fitness ahead of kickoff.