FC Bayern vs. Dortmund: Manuel Neuer Out, Joshua Kimmich Return Pending After Family Tragedy

FC Bayern Munich will face Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s Bundesliga Klassiker without captain Manuel Neuer due to an ongoing foot injury, though midfielder Joshua Kimmich is expected to return to team training after a family bereavement, SPORT1 reported.

Manuel Neuer Foot Injury Keeps Captain Sidelined for Klassiker

The 40-year-old goalkeeper continues to struggle with pain in his foot, which has kept him out of recent matches including the Champions League fixture against Viking Stavanger, Bundesliga meetings with RB Leipzig and Freiburg, and a DFB-Pokal tie against Magdeburg. T-Online reported that Neuer briefly returned for a Champions League match against Arsenal before the pain forced him back to the treatment table. Interim coach Aaron Danks confirmed on Friday that the encounter comes too soon for the veteran goalkeeper. With Neuer unavailable, Jonas Urbig will once again start in goal for the league leaders, according to n-tv.de.

Joshua Kimmich Returns to Training Following Family Bereavement

While Neuer remains out, midfielder Joshua Kimmich has a strong chance of returning to the squad. Bild reported that Kimmich spent the past week on special leave following the sudden death of his 57-year-old father, Berthold. After completing two individual training sessions earlier in the week, the 31-year-old midfielder was scheduled to take part in his first full team session on Friday. Danks noted that the coaching staff will assess Kimmich’s emotional and physical state after the session before making a final decision on his involvement against Dortmund.

🔴⚪ Vor dem Bundesliga-Duell zwischen Borussia Dortmund und FC Bayern München läuft die Trainingseinheit.Manuel Neuer steht bei den Torhütern auf dem Platz und absolviert das Programm mit den Keepern.Auch Aleksandar Pavlović trainiert wieder mit der Mannschaft draußen. Nach… pic.twitter.com/c9fie9L1yI

— https://x.com/bayern_aktuell_/status/2027010068164522125

Max Eberl Outlines Full Support for Midfield Leader

Bayern sports director Max Eberl addressed the deeply personal situation surrounding Kimmich during Friday’s pre-match press conference. Bild and n-tv.de both recorded Eberl’s emotional remarks on how the sudden loss has reshaped the player’s daily life. Eberl emphasized that the club intends to offer genuine, active backing rather than empty words. When asked if Kimmich would immediately step back into the starting lineup, Eberl explained that the final decision rests with the coaching staff and the player himself, depending on when Kimmich feels ready to re-enter the routine of professional football. Eberl, 53, also noted that this is not his responsibility, adding: Wir werden mit ihm sprechen und dann schauen wir, wie es mit ihm weitergeht. Eberl further observed: Das Leben ist anders für ihn jetzt, da brauchen wir kein Hehl draus zu machen. Eberl added: Wenn Jo sich bereit fühlt, in diesen neuen Alltag einzutauchen, dann wird der Trainerstab sich zusammen mit ihm Gedanken machen, ob das morgen der richtige Zeitpunkt ist.

FC Bayern vs. Dortmund: Manuel Neuer Out, Joshua Kimmich Return Pending After Family Tragedy — Photo: n-tv.de

Vincent Kompany Rests Under Strict Medical Orders

Head coach Vincent Kompany remains sidelined with a nerve irritation in his head (Hirnhautreizung), leaving assistant Aaron Danks, 43, in charge of the team for the top-tier clash. Danks made it clear that the coaching staff is strictly respecting the medical leave imposed on Kompany. When asked whether he had sought tactical advice from the Belgian coach, Danks told SPORT1 and T-Online that no football-related discussions are taking place. The priority remains Kompany’s health and recovery time with his family, ensuring he returns in optimal condition.

Squad Depleted by Injuries Ahead of Top-of-the-Table Clash

Beyond Neuer’s absence, Bayern will be without several other key figures for the trip to face their fierce rivals. Danks confirmed that attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala, winger Luis Díaz, and Bara Ndiaye are all sidelined with injuries. Despite these personnel hurdles, Eberl pointed to the league standings—where Munich and Dortmund sit level on points after seven matches—as proof that the fixture remains a contest between equals. Both clubs kick off at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday at 18:30, with coverage broadcast via Sky and respective live tickers. Danks stated: Es ist ein großes Spiel, die ganze Welt schaut darauf. Wir sind bereit dafür. Eberl added: Das bedeutet automatisch Augenhöhe.