News Focus
- Manuel Neuer faces fitness tests on Thursday after suffering a calf injury
- The Bayern Munich captain has not trained since the weekend clash with 1. FC Köln
- Saturday’s DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart is now in serious doubt
- Julian Nagelsmann will name Germany’s World Cup squad on Thursday
- The 40-year-old risks missing the tournament if medical checks show damage
Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer faces an anxious wait over his fitness. Medical tests this week will decide if he can play in Saturday’s DFB-Pokal final. The Germany goalkeeper also risks missing the World Cup.
The 40-year-old left the pitch with a calf issue during Bayern’s 5-1 victory against 1. FC Köln last weekend. He has not taken part in training sessions since the incident.
German newspaper Bild reports that Neuer will skip Wednesday’s practice. Doctors will check his calf injury on Thursday.
Thursday’s medical results are critical. They will show if he can face VfB Stuttgart in the cup final. The tests also decide his place in Germany’s World Cup squad.
If doctors clear him, Neuer will keep his spot as Germany’s number one. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann plans to name his World Cup squad on the same day as the medical tests.