Manuel Neuer has been missing for Bayern Munich since breaking his right leg shortly after Germany were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during a skiing incident. However, as to when the Bayern captain would return has been largely unknown.
Nevertheless, speaking to the media prior to Die Rekordmeister’s Saturday clash with Bochum, Thomas Tuchel would remark: “The injury is actually not really an injury. There are more complaints. That’s what I would call it. Calf pain! Which are very diffuse, which sometimes come and sometimes go. Which don’t really have anything to do with jumping technique or muscle contraction. But they are just there and disturbing.”
Without knowing when the calf problem will no longer disturb the 37-year-old, it is difficult for Tuchel and Bayern to confirm when Neuer will return. He is currently still unable to return to full team training and Tuchel would explain why he has not attempted to ease Neuer back into the fold:
“We didn’t want to take any risk that this would result in an injury. I think that’s the best way to describe it. I spoke to Manu. He is very positive. I can now tell from his gestures and facial expressions how he is feeling. That’s why I would say: he’s doing very well!”
Bild have confirmed that Neuer took part in a 38 minute training session with substitute goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on Friday afternoon, but the Bayern captain was certainly being cautious when called into action. This is despite having been edging closer to full training earlier on in the summer.
Nevertheless, Sven Ulreich has been able to steady the ship for Bayern in between the sticks in Neuer’s absence, however, ensuring that their club captain returns will be significant for Die Rekordmeister if they are to see off the challenges of Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. Tuchel would confirm that Neuer is hoping to return within the near future:
“He is still very positive. Because he also believes that once he is in team training, it will be very, very quickly that he will come back and have what he needs for a competition. I believe him too. He knows himself better than I know him!”
GGFN | Will Shopland
