News Focus
- Manuel Neuer misses Germany’s final warm-up match against the United States due to a calf problem.
- Head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirms he will not risk his captain ahead of the World Cup.
- Oliver Baumann will start in goal for Saturday’s clash in Neuer’s absence.
- The 40-year-old Bayern Munich keeper expects to recover fully for the June 14 opener against Curaçao.
- Teenage talent Lennart Karl also sits out the fixture after picking up an injury in training.
Manuel Neuer will not play for Germany against the United States this Saturday. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper misses the final warm-up match before the World Cup.
The 40-year-old captain has not played for three weeks. He suffered a calf injury and missed training on Friday.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann explained the situation at a press conference. He said Neuer is recovering well, but the medical team will not gamble with his fitness.
“We want to increase the likelihood that he gets through the tournament perfectly,” the coach stated.
Neuer should return for Germany’s World Cup opener against Curaçao on June 14. Nagelsmann confirmed the keeper will join full training next week.
Oliver Baumann will start between the posts against the USA. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper also played in the 4-0 victory over Finland last weekend.
Germany also lose teenage talent Lennart Karl for the clash. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich player picked up an injury in training.