News Focus
- Manuel Neuer remains doubtful for Germany’s friendly against the United States on Saturday
- The Bayern Munich captain missed the 4-0 victory over Finland last weekend with a muscle injury
- Coaches will make a final decision on Friday after assessing his training progress
- Oliver Baumann stands ready to start in goal if Neuer is ruled out
- The match serves as Germany’s final preparation game before the World Cup
Germany face an anxious wait over the fitness of captain Manuel Neuer ahead of their international friendly against the United States. The experienced goalkeeper could miss Saturday’s match after failing to prove his recovery from a muscle strain.
The 40-year-old Bayern Munich star watched from the sidelines as his countrymen beat Finland 4-0 last weekend. Sky Germany reports that Neuer was unable to complete a full training session with the national team on Thursday.
Medical staff will monitor the situation closely before making a final call on Friday. Team officials hope their skipper can prove his readiness for what represents Germany’s final test before the World Cup begins.
Neuer has not played since sustaining the injury during Bayern’s 5-1 Bundesliga win against 1. FC Köln on May 16. The setback has disrupted his preparations for the major tournament.
Should the veteran fail to regain full fitness in time, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann will continue in goal. The 34-year-old replaced Neuer against Finland and is prepared to face the United States.