World Cup kick-off approaching: How fit is Manuel Neuer? | OneFootball

The signs are getting stronger: Manuel Neuer is about to make his comeback in the German national team jersey. The Bayern captain has taken the next important step in the World Cup quarters and should be back between the posts in time for the tournament opener against Curaçao

After Manuel Neuer had to train individually in recent weeks due to calf problems, there has now been clear progress in his return

The 40-year-old was back on the training pitch with his goalkeeping colleagues for the first time on Monday, when the Bayern keeper completed the full goalkeeping program and made a very stable impression

Now came the next and probably decisive step on his way back into the DFB goal

Neuer back in full team training

As reported by BILD, Neuer was back between the posts for the first time on Tuesday during match practice with the outfield players

While the goalkeepers initially completed their usual program on the secondary pitch, Neuer switched to the main pitch after around half an hour and took part in team training

There he was back in goal as normal and was fully integrated into the team’s routines

The measure clearly shows that the DFB is now firmly planning to use Neuer in the World Cup opener

After the 2:1 win against the USA, national coach Julian Nagelsmann had already announced that Neuer would return to team training immediately after arriving at his World Cup quarters

Nagelsmann also emphasized that Neuer is on the right track: „He’s doing well, he’s on the way to top fitness. He doesn’t have to get used to it at his age. He can cope with a pressure situation,“ said the 38-year-old

A positive signal for FC Bayern too

photo: Getty Images

The development should not only bring relief to the DFB

FC Bayern are also keeping a close eye on their captain’s situation. After Neuer had repeatedly struggled with minor injuries in recent months, there was certainly concern about a possible setback

However, everything currently points to the veteran being fit in time and able to start the World Cup without any major restrictions

This would be a hugely important factor for the German national team, as despite Oliver Baumann’s strong performances in the test matches against Finland and the USA, Neuer is still regarded as the undisputed number one

If there is no setback in the coming days, the 2014 world champion will play his first international match since the 2024 European Championship quarter-final against Spain on Sunday against Curaçao

In any case, the latest developments increasingly suggest that Neuer will be back where the German team prefers to see him in time for the start of the World Cup: between the posts.