Bayern Munich have been served a huge blow with news Manuel Neuer will miss the remainder of 2017 with a broken foot, reports Kicker.
Neuer had only just made a full recovery after breaking his foot in April but suffered a repeat of the injury in training at the start of the week.
The Germany international underwent scans ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Schalke and results have now revealed Bayern’s worst fears.
Neuer is now facing a four-month spell on the sidelines meaning he is not expected to return to first team action until after the winter break in January.
Carlo Ancelotti is under pressure as Bayern head coach and the absence of one of his best players is a huge blow for the Italian.
Neuer will now miss the remainder of Bayern’s Champions League group stage campaign as well at least 13 Bundesliga matches.
Since August 2013, only Bastian Oczipka (375) has won possession in the defensive third more times than Neuer (358) in the Bundesliga.