Good news for FC Bayern ahead of the Champions League showdown against Arsenal. Manuel Neuer returned to team training with the German record champions on Monday. This raises hopes for a comeback by the 40-year-old on Wednesday night. However, a final decision on whether he will play has not yet been made.

Neuer had recently missed both the 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger and the convincing 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig due to injury. Jonas Urbig started in goal for both matches.

The reason for his forced absence was discomfort in his foot. The Munich club did not want to take any unnecessary risks with their captain and therefore decided not to play him against Leipzig.

Now, the situation appears to be improving just in time for the crucial match against Arsenal.

Neuer Back in Training – Decision Still Pending

As Sky reporter Kerry Hau reported on Monday, Neuer was able to rejoin team training two days before the Champions League home game.

This marks an important step toward a comeback for the Bayern captain.

However, returning to the training field does not automatically mean he’ll be cleared to play against Arsenal. According to Hau, whether he plays will depend on how Neuer’s recently injured foot responds to the strain.

If the discomfort returns or the foot does not respond as hoped, Bayern will have to do without their starting goalkeeper.

In that case, Urbig would start once again.

Tuesday’s final training session is therefore likely to be particularly important. According to information from *kicker*, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany had already stipulated that Neuer must participate in this session to be considered for the Arsenal match.

Eberl had already been hoping for Neuer’s comeback

Right after the Leipzig game, sporting director Max Eberl had provided an update on the Bayern captain’s condition. “There was just a little fluid in his foot. It wasn’t enough for today. We’ll see if he’ll be ready by Wednesday,” explained the 53-year-old.

His return to team training should now come as a relief to the club’s management. Nevertheless, the Munich club will be watching closely to see if Neuer can handle the workload without any issues.

After all, with Urbig, there’s an alternative available who has already gained playing experience in the past two competitive matches.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/19/neuer-meldet-sich-zurueck-bayern-darf-auf-comeback-gegen-arsenal-hoffen/.