After nearly more than a year on the sideline with a severe fracture to his right tibia and fibula, Manuel Neuer could be set to make his return on matchday eight as Bayern Munich travel to Mainz.
The Bayern captain has suffered multiple setbacks in recent months after hoping that a return would have been possible at the start of the season. However, after completing a training session on Thursday without any pain, according to Bild, the 37-year-old has been given the green light to return by the physios and doctors.
Nevertheless, it is now up to Thomas Tuchel to decide whether a return to the team for Neuer will be made on Saturday. But, with Bayern set to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, Tuchel may give his shot-stopper more time to ensure he is fully fit.
However, when speaking about Neuer’s return last month, Tuchel stated that he trusts his goalkeeper’s judgement and believes that if Neuer thinks he is ready, then he will not stand in his way in regards to returning to the squad:
“He continues to be 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
