Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer admits the expected departure Thiago Alcantara will be a blow.

Bayern are now facing the very real prospect of Thiago moving on, with Liverpool the favourites to land his signature.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Champions League clash with Chelsea, Neuer said: "I hope that it won't be one of the last matches of Thiago.

"He had to undergo surgery at the end of the [Bundesliga] season [in June] but now he's back and 100 per cent.

"He's a very valuable player for us, especially in ball possession. He's very important for us. He's our engine in midfield actually."