Race against the clock: Neuer’s participation in the cup final still open | OneFootball

A few days before the DFB Cup final, FC Bayern are growing increasingly concerned about Manuel Neuer, whose muscular problems in his left calf mean he is anything but certain to play against VfB Stuttgart

While the discussion surrounding the Bayern captain currently revolves around the World Cup and a possible DFB comeback, the Munich team is currently dealing with a much more short-term problem: will Neuer even be able to stand between the posts in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday?

Sporting director Max Eberl was cautiously optimistic at the championship celebrations on Munich’s Marienplatz. „The minor injury is a shame now because the cup final is next week. We still have hope,“ explained the 52-year-old

At the same time, however, Eberl avoided giving the all-clear. „We hope that he might be able to play in goal on Saturday,“ added the Bayern boss

The choice of words alone shows that nobody can make a reliable prognosis at the moment

No structural injury – but it will still be tight

At least the all-clear has been given internally: according to information from BILD, Neuer has not been diagnosed with a structural muscle injury such as a torn muscle fibre

Theoretically, he could still play in the cup final, but time is running out

Particularly at the start of the training week, Bayern clearly do not want to take any risks with their captain, especially in view of the World Cup and Neuer’s injury history

The 40-year-old had himself substituted in the 60th minute of the 5-1 defeat against 1. FC Köln. In the BR interview afterwards, Neuer openly explained: „I already had a bit of a problem with my calf muscle there.“

That’s why he „didn’t want to take any more risks“

The situation is also particularly sensitive because the discomfort reappeared on his left leg – the same leg on which Neuer suffered several fractures after his serious skiing accident at the end of 2022

Bayern need Neuer in the final

photo: Getty Images

Internally, the cup final against Stuttgart is seen as hugely important. After the Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain, the double should finally put the finishing touches to a strong season. The 2014 world champion has shown this season that he can still deliver, especially in big games

However, the calf is not only influencing Bayern’s plans, as national coach Julian Nagelsmann will announce his World Cup squad on Thursday

A quick and clear improvement in the coming days could therefore be decisive – both for the cup final and for Neuer’s possible return to the DFB goal

One thing seems to be clear at the moment: FC Bayern are facing a nail-biting game against time.