Manuel Neuer: 'I have been playing with a metal plate in my foot'

Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has revealed that he has played with a metal plate in his right foot for the past nine years.

The 31-year-old had an operation last week after suffering a repeat of a previous hairline fracture of the metatarsal in his left foot during a training session.

Neuer is now expected to miss the remainder of 2017, and has explained that he first sustained a similar injury while playing for Schalke 04.

"I had the same injury while at Schalke in 2008," Neuer told Bild. "Back then, a metal plate was inserted which is still in.

"I've never had a problem and feel comfortable with it. I'm all for leaving everything in during my career in order to avoid unnecessary absences."

Neuer has made 298 appearances for Bayern since making the switch from the Veltins-Arena in 2011.