Munich (dpa) – Two weeks after an operation on his right knee, soccer goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from FC Bayern Munich has completed running training again. The record champion published video images of his captain running on the club premises in shorts and a woolen hat.
After his last appearance in the 3: 2 of the league leaders in the top Bundesliga game against RB Leipzig in early February, the 35-year-old newcomer had to undergo an operation on the meniscus. He then worked in the Bayern performance center in rehab. Now followed the first running steps on the pitch. Neuer is expected back in Bayern’s goal at an uncertain time in March.
Neuer had only reported from the advanced training at the weekend. “I’m doing very well. Everything is going as planned – and I’m making good progress,” he said in a fan Q&A session on Instagram. Neuer is currently represented in the Bayern goal by Sven Ulreich.
According to Felix Magath, Neuer is more important for FC Bayern than striker Robert Lewandowski. “It will be a bigger problem for Bayern when Neuer is gone,” the former Bundesliga coach told Kicker.
In his estimation, the 36-year-old Neuer could play for at least four more years. “Manuel is the only one of my goalkeepers who was ahead in endurance runs,” said Magath. Both FC Bayern Munich and the German national soccer team lived primarily from Neuer’s quality. “Manuel is a godsend for German football.”