Bayern Munich are gearing up for their biggest game of the season until now as they host defending champions Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. The Bavarian club has been in fine form this campaign, winning all their six games across all competitions. Bayern will lay down the marker in the Bundesliga title race if they defeat Bayer Leverkusen.
The Bavarian club has several options in outfield positions for the game against Leverkusen, but there is uncertainty in the goal due to the fitness concerns about Manuel Neuer. The German goalkeeper had missed the game against Werder Bremen after suffering an injury against Dinamo Zagreb.
According to Bild, Neuer was not spotted in training with the squad on Monday, but Bayern are confident that he will be ready for the game against Bayer Leverkusen. Neuer is currently training individually to regain fitness.
Neuer has been in fine form for Bayern this season. Kompany’s style of play demands the goalkeeper to play a big role in the build-up play. The German goalkeeper is very adept on the ball, which has been evident in the initial games of the season. Neuer also remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the game despite turning 38 earlier this year.
Ulreich has done a good job of deputizing for Neuer whenever he has been called upon over the last couple of years. The 36-year-old goalkeeper had little to do against Werder Bremen, but he can be trusted to deliver a good performance against Bayer Leverkusen if Neuer doesn’t recover from the injury.
Will Neuer return to German squad after Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury?
Neuer confirmed retirement from international football in August. However, DFB finds themselves in a tricky situation regarding the goalkeeper position. Marc-André ter Stegen was announced as Neuer’s successor, but the 32-year-old goalkeeper suffered a serious injury over the weekend. Ter Stegen is likely to be out for several months.
According to SID (via iMiaSanMia), DFB is yet to consider bringing Neuer back into the national team. Neuer has also refused to comment when asked about coming out of retirement for Germany.
Despite the injury to Ter Stegen, Germany have several good options in the goalkeeping department. Julian Nagelsmann is building a squad for the 2026 World Cup. It doesn’t make sense to bring Neuer back into the squad when there is a possibility he may not play in the World Cup. Someone like Alexander Nubel deserves a shot to be number one for the German national team after delivering good performances at the club level over the three years.
Bayern will hope Neuer stays away from international football and solely focuses on club football during the final phase of his career.