Manuel Neuer has not been included in the Bayern Munich squad to face Hertha Berlin in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday, as concerns grow over his availability to face Liverpool in less than two weeks time.
Bayern's skipper missed the weekend defeat to Bayern Leverkusen because of a hand injury sustained in training, and though he travelled to the capital ahead of Wednesday night's clash, he was not included in the squad.
Sven Ulreich, who will start between the posts for Bayern in Neuer's absence, said the club's first-choice stopper had a thumb injury and reports have suggested that potential ligament damage could result in Neuer spending up to three months sidelined.