France, England in World Cup spotlight after Messi helps Argentina into last eight
FootballBayern Munich Eye Croatia World Cup Hero As Injured Neuer’s Replacement
- Bayern Munich are looking at the possibility of signing Croatia goalie Dominik Livakovic
- Keylor Navas is another option the Bundesliga champions are contemplating in January
- Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a lower leg fracture
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic is one of the top goalkeepers being considered by Bayern Munich to replace the injured Manuel Neuer.
Livakovic has been one of the top players at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as his exploits with Croatia have taken the European giants to the semi-finals in Qatar.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper was the hero for Croatia after saving several spot kicks in the penalty shootout victories against Japan and Brazil, in the round of 16 and quarter-finals respectively.
According to SB Nation, Paris Saint-Germain’s Keylor Navas is also another option being considered by Bayern, although it is unlikely the French champions would sell the Costa Rican.
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It is believed PSG would not want to strengthen their rivals ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie next year.
Bayern star Neuer's season over
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s season is over, after the German suffered a lower leg fracture while skiing on holidays after the World Cup, Goal reports.
Neuer has undergone surgery over the past weekend and has confirmed he will be ruled out for the rest of the season for the Bundesliga champions.
In Neuer's absence, second-choice custodian Sven Ulreich is likely to slot into starting line-up. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has appeared in eight matches for Bayern thus far in the 2022-23 season.
Livakovic cements Croatia hero status
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Croatia goalkeeper Livakovic cemented his hero status with a stunning display, to help his team knock out five-time champions Brazil on Friday and reach the World Cup semi-finals.
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FootballThe stopper had already won hearts back home after making three penalty saves against Japan in the last 16 shootout, which set his team on a collision course with the Samba Boys.
He produced a string of brilliant saves on Friday to keep Brazil's attackers at bay and ensure Croatia reached extra time with the match goalless.