Matthäus and Hamann disagree on the idea of Neuer for the World Cup | OneFootball

Marc-André ter Stegen faces yet another setback as he’ll be out for months as he requires surgery due to back problems. The Barcelona goalkeeper has also lost his starting berth at the club, which could affect the previous decision to have him as Manuel Neuer’s successor for Die Nationalmannschaft.

As a result, there are now talks about a potential return of Manuel Neuer. Although no one knows the availability of the World Cup winning shot-stopper for next year’s World Cup, the discussion has already reached German football analysts.

“Basically, Julian Nagelsmann definitely has to think about it. Marc-André ter Stegen not only needs another operation, but will also have a hard time getting match practice afterwards,” said Sky expert Lothar Matthäus.

"Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel, and Bernd Leno are good alternatives, but if the national coach don't fully trust the aforementioned candidates, then we can, of course, consider Manuel Neuer.

"Neuer must also decide for himself whether he wants to take on this additional burden in addition to the many games with Bayern Munich. He's been playing well recently, but has been plagued by injuries time and again."

Dietmar Hamann agrees that this option must be kept open, but he sees the disadvantages outweigh the positives. "He missed a few games last year. I don't think it's right to put him in the DFB goal now,” said the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder.

“Julian Nagelsmann should use the international break this fall to find a number one. He should continue to rely on Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel."

Neuer will be 40 by the time the 2026 World Cup starts in the United States next year. Ter Stegen will still be hopeful to be Germany’s starting goalkeeper in a major tournament for the first time in his career.