Bayern Munich have received a boost as Manuel Neuer has completed goalkeeping training for the first time in more than six months.
Neuer, 32, has broken his left foot three times in the past 12 months and has made only three Bundesliga appearances this season, the last of which was in the 4-0 win over Mainz on Sept. 16.
Following the latest fracture and operation on Sept. 19, Neuer, Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper, said his recovery could take at least six months.
The Bayern and Germany captain stepped up his comeback bid in February with a warm-weather trip to Phuket, Thailand, and also started running at 100 percent last week.
For the first time in over half a year, @Manuel_Neuer completed a goalkeeper-specific training session today 👍 #MiaSanMia #NeuerTheWall pic.twitter.com/c2IbSGePRz
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 5, 2018
In Neuer’s absence, Sven Ulreich has been deputising and signed a new contract in February, committing him to the club until 2021.
Germany coach Joachim Low has continually stressed “everything is going to plan” with Neuer’s recovery, and Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes has remained optimistic that their captain will be part of the squad for the World Cup in Russia this summer with Germany’s defence in mind.
“I am not putting him under any pressure, but I am almost convinced that he will play for Bayern before the end of the season and will go to the World Cup,” Heynckes said in Februrary.
Mark Lovell covers Bayern Munich for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter: @LovellLowdown.
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