Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer set for spell on sidelines with foot injury

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sustained a partial ligament tear in his right foot and will be out of action for "the time being," the club said in a statement on Sunday.

Neuer had to go off with the injury shortly before halftime in Bayern's 2-1 Bundesliga win at Mainz on Saturday.

Bayern's statement did not give a specific length of layoff for the German goalkeeper, only stating it would be 'for the time being'.

"Manuel Neuer will be out of action for FC Bayern for the time being," the club said.

"The captain sustained a partial tendor tear in his right foot during the German record champions' 2-1 win against 1.FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday, as confirmed by an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit.

"Neuer was substitued shortly before half-time at Mainz."

Replacement goalkeeper Jonas Urbig filled in, as he has often done for the veteran Neuer this season. Urbig is viewed as Neuer's long-term successor at the club and the injury presents a chance to demonstrate he can eventually take the role.

The injury is another blow to Bayern's season following Vincent Kompany's battles with issues that saw him collapse at training. He was hospitalised and treated for meningeal irritation, which is an inflammation of the tissue around the brain or spinal cord.

Neuer has only made five league appearances this season, while the 23-year-old Urbig has also made five, including his substitute appearance Saturday.

It was a bittersweet moment for Neuer as he also became Bayern's oldest Bundesliga player at 40 years and 225 days old in the game.