Manuel Neuer Underwent Surgery for Foot Injury, Out Until January

Bayern Munich have announced that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has undergone surgery on a foot injury he picked up in training on Monday and will not be available until January.

Bayern confirmed Neuer "sustained a repeat hairline fracture of the metatarsal in his left foot" and had a procedure to insert a plate into the fracture.

"Manuel Neuer has sustained another injury and we're incredibly sorry for him," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in the club release. "The operation went perfectly, which is the most important thing for now. We and our captain are now looking to the future. Manuel will be back to his previous best and available to us again in January."

Neuer is the undisputed No. 1 at the Allianz Arena and widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world for the last few years—he has been in every FIFA FIFPro World XI since 2013.

Back-up Sven Ulreich is more than capable, but he has made just seven Bundesliga appearances for Bayern since he joined the club in 2015, so he does not inspire the same confidence as Neuer does.

Neuer, a FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner and multiple Bundesliga champion, can produce saves few other stoppers can and also plays a vital role in starting Bayern's attacks.

Bayern's experienced defensive line will need to step up in Neuer's absence to ensure that Ulreich can work effectively and feel comfortable in his role.

The German champions have more than enough quality to cope without their No. 1, but manager Carlo Ancelotti will await Neuer's return eagerly.