Bayern Munich are sweating over the fitness of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ahead of their Champions League last-16 showdown with Liverpool in a fortnight.
The German No 1 missed the weekend clash with Bayer Leverkusen and is also a doubt for their cup clash with Hertha Berlin on Wednesday.
Sven Ulreich deputised in his place, and admitted his team-mate was suffering from a problem with his thumb known as 'skier's thumb'.
'The thumb (Neuer's) is really fat, but in one or two days things should look different and he could be able to play,' said Ulreich, after the 3-1 defeat on Saturday, his first game for seven months.
'Of course, I was happy to be able to play again, but it was bitter news for Manuel.'
Neuer has suffered a 'blemish on the right hand', and could be out for three months if the ligament is torn, according to SportBild.
The club are monitoring the situation and expect to discover the severity of the injury this week.
They claim that he had an X-ray on Sunday and trained with a solid plastic rail around his thumb over the weekend.
Ulreich was an ever-present for Bayern last season as Neuer was reduced to only four appearances with a recurring foot injury.
Bayern go to Anfield on February 19 before hosting Liverpool at the Allianz Arena in the return leg on March 13.
Defeat at the weekend leaves Bayern third in the Bundesliga, seven points adrift of leaders Borussia Dortmund.
