News Focus
- Manuel Neuer will start in goal for Germany’s opening World Cup fixture against Curaçao next Sunday
- The 40-year-old has been out with a calf injury sustained while playing for FC Bayern Munich in mid-May
- Head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the captain’s return following the 2-1 friendly win over the United States
- Oliver Baumann receives praise for his professional attitude while covering for Neuer during recent matches
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Manuel Neuer will return between the posts for the national team’s opening World Cup clash with Curaçao. The veteran goalkeeper has missed the side’s final warm-up matches, including Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the United States and last week’s 4-0 success against Finland.
Neuer has been recovering from a calf problem he picked up during FC Bayern Munich’s 5-1 win over 1. FC Köln on 16 May. “Manu will start training next week and will play against Curaçao,” Nagelsmann told broadcaster RTL after the match.
During Neuer’s absence, Oliver Baumann has stood in as the last line of defence. The experienced keeper served as Germany’s first choice throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign. However, he moved down the pecking order when Neuer reversed his decision to retire from international football ahead of the tournament.
Nagelsmann offered special praise for Baumann’s conduct during this period. “I want to give Oliver Baumann a huge compliment,” the manager stated. “He is a super, super guy. Over the past days and weeks, he has fully put himself at the service of the team.”