As Germany gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questions surround the fitness of the man who is expected to start at goalkeeper. Manuel Neuer has not been able to play a game of football since an injury he sustained on the final Bundesliga game of the season against FC Köln.
Bayern Munich had to play a cup final without him, utilizing Jonas Urbig in goal (and beating Stuttgart 3-0 in the process). Meanwhile, the 40-year-old has been racing to be fit in time for the opening game of the World Cup.
Speaking to the media following his team’s 2-1 win over the USMNT, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann assuaged fears about Neuer’s availability. “Manu will start training next week and play against Curaçao,” he told reporters (via @iMiaSanMia).
While Oliver Baumann has done a solid job in his absence, Neuer has pedigree second to none. At this level, that could make all the difference, especially for a Germany team that is known to be a little suspect at the back. Bringing Neuer back to play in this World Cup was a controversial move by Julian Nagelsmann. Will the final alumnus of the 2014 World Cup squad manage to lead his country to glory one more time?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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