Another bad break for Neuer after Germany’s humiliation in Qatar
Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, is out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg in a skiing accident.
The 36-year-old was on holiday after Germany’s exit from the World Cup at the group stage, but suffered the injury, which needed surgery.
Neuer confirmed he will not play again this season.
He posted on Instagram: “What can I say?
“The end of the year could have definitely gone better.
“While I was trying to get my head clear while skiing, I suffered a lower leg fracture.
“Yesterday’s surgery went well. Many thanks to the doctors!
“However, it hurts to know that the current season is over for me.”
Neuer played all three games for Germany in Qatar as his side embarrassingly exited at the group stage for the second successive World Cup.
Bayern have been drawn against Paris St-germain in the Champions League, with the first leg of the Round 16 clash scheduled for February 14.
Neuer will be a big miss for that one, as well as his club’s push for an eleventh successive Bundesliga title.
■ Tributes have been paid to American journalist, Grant Wahl, who died while covering Friday’s World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands.
He was 48.
Wahl was one of the most prominent American journalists, known not just for his coverage of football but other sports also, famously being the reporter behind Lebron James’ “Chosen One” cover on Sports Illustrated.
US Soccer said in a statement: “The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,”
Noting Wahl’s commitment to covering important subjects, the statement added: “Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, and inspiration to all.”
Wahl devoted lots of his coverage to the human rights issues surrounding the World Cup, and earlier in the tournament tweeted that he had been detained for trying to enter a game wearing a Rainbow Pride shirt.
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino said: “It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist, Grant Wahl, while reporting on a quarter-final match during the World Cup in Qatar.
“Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several Women’s World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events.
“His love for football was immense, and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.”
Writing on Twitter, Leeds United’s American head coach, Jesse Marsch, said that “soccer in America would not be where it is today without the investment Grant made in reporting, educating and telling vital stories.”