For 36 competitive games, FC Bayern has been without regular goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who broke his leg while ski touring in December 2022. Now there are finally signs of a comeback for the 37-year-old in the Munich box.
“It’s not pressure, but things are looking really good there too,” said sports director Christoph Freund about Neuer’s prospects of returning to the FC Bayern goal. Neuer will use the international break to complete as many units as possible at the Munich training ground. To this end, the veteran will also take part in some of the U23 exercises. The only important thing is “that he is on the pitch and gets into rhythm,” said Freund.
Freund did not want to commit to a specific date for Neuer’s return to competitive play, but the mood at Säbener Straße was “very positive” that this would happen soon. “Whether it’s the next game, the one after that or another game, we’ll see,” said the 46-year-old after the win against SC Freiburg (3-0). “We believe that will happen in a timely manner.”
The German record champions’ next game is on October 21st, when FC Bayern visit 1. FSV Mainz 05. Three days later (October 24th) the Champions League continues at Galatasaray Istanbul. The next home game is against Darmstadt 98 on October 28th.
“Sky” had already reported on Monday that Neuer wanted to be back in the starting line-up against Darmstadt at the latest.
The sport.deBy the way, users don’t believe that Neuer’s comeback will be a success story. In a survey with almost 100,000 votes, 86 percent expressed doubts that the keeper would regain his old strength.
Hopefully FC Bayern’s new signing won’t be missing for too long
Freund also commented on the renewed injury of new signing Raphael Guerreiro, who suffered a torn muscle fiber and has to take a longer break for the second time after his summer move from BVB to FC Bayern. “We hope it doesn’t take too long,” said Freund.
So far, Guerreiro has only played two competitive games for Munich after suffering an injury in preparation.