Bayern keeper on the verge of a comeback
The interim “setbacks” on the way to his comeback were difficult for Manuel Neuer to accept. These would have to be planned for “in the event of a major and long injury,” said the 37-year-old in a club interview that FC Bayern published on Friday evening. “Still, as a patient or as an athlete you don’t want to admit it and you always try to be stronger than nature.”
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel announced at lunchtime that the captain would be back in goal on Saturday against SV Darmstadt 98 “if nothing happens in training”. He would therefore disappear from the list of Bundesliga players who have not yet played a minute in the upper house in the current season. Among them, the 2014 world champion is one of the most valuable with a market value of 5 million euros. Neuer last played for Munich on November 12, 2022 in a 2-0 win at FC Schalke. After the World Cup at the end of 2022, he broke his tibia and fibula in his right lower leg while on vacation on a ski tour and has been out since then.
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In the meantime, Neuer’s comeback had already started at the start of this season, but that didn’t work out. At the end of August, Neuer completed another session with his goalkeeper colleagues for the first time, but then he had to slow down again at times due to calf problems. “You have to stay patient and keep working hard and try to accept it,” said Neuer about the setbacks.
Before his return between the posts, Neuer praised Sven Ulreich, who had looked after the Munich goal during his absence. “The exchange between Ulle and I was great. Ulle has always proven himself and he played a big part in us getting off to a great start to the season. Everyone in the club knows that he is a great source of support,” said Neuer about his substitute, who conceded 15 goals in twelve games this season and kept three clean sheets.
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