Bayern Munich have confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss their crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Inter Milan due to a calf injury. The 39-year-old, who has been a stalwart between the posts for over a decade, has not recovered in time to feature in the decisive tie at the San Siro.

Neuer did travel with the Bayern squad to Milan to lend moral support to his teammates, but his absence from the matchday squad is a significant blow to manager Thomas Tuchel as his side look to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. The German international's leadership and shot-stopping ability will be sorely missed in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

In Neuer’s place, 21-year-old Jonas Urbig is expected to start in goal. The young keeper has shown considerable promise in recent outings and will now have the opportunity to prove himself on Europe’s biggest stage. While his inclusion brings excitement, the pressure will be immense as Bayern seek to advance to the semi-finals against a formidable Inter side.

Neuer’s injury is one among several setbacks for Bayern, who are also without Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and Dayot Upamecano due to various fitness concerns. The mounting injury list adds to the challenge facing the Bundesliga leaders, who are aiming to keep their European campaign alive.

Should Bayern overcome Inter, they will face the winner of the Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund tie in the semi-finals. Domestically, Bayern remain on course for another Bundesliga title, maintaining a six-point lead with five games remaining. However, Champions League success remains a key target for the club this season, especially after their underwhelming performances in recent editions.

As the Bavarian giants prepare for battle without their iconic captain, all eyes will be on Urbig and the rest of the squad to deliver under pressure and keep Bayern’s European dreams alive.