News Focus
- Manuel Neuer remains doubtful for Germany’s final World Cup warm-up against the United States
- The 40-year-old is recovering from a calf injury he sustained in May
- Neuer trained alone on Wednesday and has not rejoined full team sessions
- Oliver Baumann kept goal in Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Finland
- Germany begin their World Cup campaign against Curacao on June 14
Manuel Neuer is still battling to regain full fitness following a calf injury he suffered in May. The Germany captain has not yet returned to training with the rest of the squad.
The German Football Association confirmed on Wednesday that the veteran goalkeeper is slowly building up his activity levels. Medical staff are carefully managing his workload as the World Cup approaches.
According to Sky sources, Neuer worked through a solo goalkeeping session on Wednesday. He remains separate from the main group as he continues his rehabilitation programme.
The experienced shot-stopper faces a race against time to feature in Saturday’s friendly against the United States. He risks missing the final warm-up match before the tournament.
Oliver Baumann stood between the sticks during Sunday’s comfortable 4-0 win over Finland. The Hoffenheim stopper is on standby to deputise if Neuer fails to recover in time.
Germany open their World Cup account against Curacao on June 14.