Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been forced to pull out of the Germany squad to face Spain in Vigo on Tuesday night due to a knee injury.
The 28-year-old kept a clean sheet as Germany defeated Gibraltar 4-0 on Friday evening, but a slight problem with his right knee has ruled Neuer out of the friendly against Spain.
.@Manuel_Neuer has pulled out of the #DFBTeam squad for #ESPGER with knee problems. Read more: http://t.co/CMam4jYGZX pic.twitter.com/eYMCwlXk9l
- Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 15, 2014
"I would have liked to have been able to field my best team against Spain, but we did not want to take any risks with Manuel," said Germany coach Joachim Low on the official website of the German Football Association (DFB).
"With Roman Weidenfeller and Ron-Robert Zieler, we have two excellent alternatives who have more than deserved to play against Spain. I know I can rely on both of them."
Whoever does start in goal in Vigo, they can expect to be tested more than Neuer was against Gibraltar in Nuremberg.
It is not yet clear how serious the problem is with Neuer's right knee, although his withdrawal is more likely to be precautionary.
Bayern return to Bundesliga action next Saturday against Hoffenheim before travelling to face Manchester City in the Champions League having already qualified for the knockout stages, although City need to win that game to keep their hopes alive of joining them in the last-16.