Nagelsmann confirms Neuer will return to start in Germany’s World Cup opener against Curaçao | OneFootball

Just as in their 4-0 win over Finland last week, Germany were without Manuel Neuer as they edged the United States 2-1 in their final World Cup warm-up friendly on Saturday.

Neuer has been out of action since suffering a calf injury in Bayern’s 5-1 win over 1. FC Köln on May 16. 

Despite this, the 40-year-old will be in goal when Germany face Curaçao in their opening match next Sunday, head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on RTL after the win over the United States.

“Manu will start training next week and will play against Curaçao,” Nagelsmann underlined.

In the interview, the Germany coach also had special praise for Oliver Baumann, who once again impressed in Neuer’s absence.

Baumann was Germany’s No. 1 through their World Cup qualification campaign, but was moved down the pecking order after the 40-year-old came out of international retirement for the World Cup.

“I want to give Oliver Baumann a huge compliment," Nagelsmann said, adding:

“He is a super, super guy. Over the past days and weeks, he has fully put himself at the service of the team.”