Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer set to return against RB Salzburg
The last couple of months have been far from ideal for Bayern Munich in terms of results and injuries to key players. However, there has been a significant positive development for the Bavarian club ahead of the crucial Champions League game against RB Salzburg in the second week of March.
After the narrow victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer would be back in training next week. He remains touch and go for next week’s Bundesliga game against Bayer Leverkusen, but Nagelsmann did confirm that he will be fit for the clash against RB Salzburg.
Neuer’s return will be a big boost for Die Roten. His presence in the goal adds more experience in the defensive unit. Moreover, his quality in the build-up play is also crucial for Die Roten’s approach to games. The return of the club captain will also give confidence to the squad.
Manuel Neuer has been on the sidelines since the win against RB Leipzig at the start of February. The German international was ruled out four to six weeks after he underwent surgery for a knee injury. He was expected to miss both Champions League games against RB Salzburg. However, his recovery process has been faster than expected since he will be back to face the Austrian side at Allianz Arena. The tie is finely poised as Salzburg held Die Roten for 1-1 draw in Austria.
Sven Ulreich didn’t do much wrong in the absence of Neuer, even though there were a couple of poor results. It remains to be seen whether the last four games will be enough to convince Die Roten to extend his contract beyond this season. Unless there is an injury setback for Neuer, Ulreich is unlikely to play again this season.
Die Roten has been struggling at the back throughout January and February. They managed to win most of the games, but the defense has remained porous. The manner of the victory against Frankfurt will be a big boost to the team’s confidence. The return of Neuer will help them to get even more solid at the back.
Meanwhile, there is no positive update on other injured players. There is still no time frame on Leon Goretzka’s return to the action. The German midfielder has been out of action for close to 12 weeks due to a knee injury. Corentin Tolisso will not be fit for the game against RB Salzburg, but the French midfielder could return to the action by mid-March.
Alphonso Davies has made positive strides in his recovery from myocarditis. The Canadian winger will reportedly undergo more check-ups in the coming weeks before resuming training on the pitch. Meanwhile, Thomas Muller is expected to feature against Bayer Leverkusen after missing the game against Frankfurt due to a positive covid test.