Nagelsmann: Different signs for Neuer comeback in March
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expects Manuel Neuer to return to the national team in March. "We all hope that he plays extremely consistently until the next international match. Then it will be a different story again," said Nagelsmann on the announcement of the squad for the two test matches against Turkey on November 18 in Berlin and three days later in Vienna against Austria, in which the goalkeeper and captain of FC Bayern, who has been injured for a long time this year, is still missing.
It was "a joint decision" and he has had "very good contact" with Neuer over the past few months, Nagelsmann said of the 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper. "He has informed me about every small step in his development - even when I asked him to. Even in the gym, when he made progress, I was informed."
Neuer suffered a serious leg fracture after missing out on the World Cup in Qatar at the end of 2022 and only celebrated his comeback in goal for the record champions at the end of October. The 37-year-old had announced that Nagelsmann would still be without him. "We had a very good conversation where he explained how he felt. Where I explained what my thoughts were," said Nagelsmann, explaining his decision to leave him out due to an increased risk of injury.
"After such a serious injury, it's always like this, you come back (...), then the first few games are very, very good," said the national coach. And then there is a "small hole where there is a certain risk of muscular injury. This hole could happen now (...) We are very, very happy that he has the opportunity to get the break. And then he will continue to play just as stably. The impression was very, very good."
The opponents for the next European Championship tests at the end of March have not yet been decided. Two games against well-known rivals are planned.
Despite Neuer's comeback in goal for Bayern, his inclusion in the national team remains uncertain due to injury risks. The DFB and Neuer are closely monitoring his progress, with the national team's soccer match against a yet-to-be-decided opposing national team in March potentially marking his return to the squad.
Source: www.dpa.com
