Manuel Neuer left the pitch prematurely during the match against 1. FC Köln, sparking concerns. However, as Neuer himself confirmed, FC Bayern has no reason to worry. His statements regarding the national team, however, offer a deeper insight.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper for the record German champions was substituted in the 60th minute of the 5-1 victory against Effzeh by coach Vincent Kompany, replaced by backup Jonas Urbig. This substitution followed a corner for Köln, after which Neuer signaled towards the dugout that he could not continue during the goal kick. As he walked off the field, the FCB keeper repeatedly pointed to his left leg, though he appeared to be only mildly affected physically. He also gave a thumbs-up to some of the Köln players. Throughout the current season, the 40-year-old has been battling minor injuries, with his left calf being a particular concern.
Neuer’s Comments Raise Questions and Fuel Speculation
A potential injury to Neuer would be ill-timed, given Bayern’s upcoming DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart next week and the possibility of his participation in the World Cup. However, Neuer provided reassurance after the final whistle. He returned to the pitch, hugged his teammates, and joked around. He then ecstatically held up the championship shield, not holding back from jumping and celebrating with his colleagues. Speaking to Sky, he stated: «I felt something in my calf, and I didn’t want to take any risks with a view to next week.»
When asked if he had recently spoken with national coach Julian Nagelsmann, he replied: «No, not now. We’ve been in contact all year – just like with other former coaches and officials.» Various media outlets had recently reported that the Bayern goalkeeper was part of national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s preliminary 55-man squad for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. When pressed by Sky reporter Sebastian Hellmann about whether he was planning a comeback to the DFB team, Neuer said: «I’m completely relaxed. Today we’re celebrating the championship, and next week we have a very important game with the DFB-Pokal final. That’s not a topic for me today.» He reiterated this statement and added, when asked if he was ruling out participation in the World Cup: «As I said, it’s not a topic for me today. I think that’s simply the beauty of it, that we have a championship celebration and another task with this team next week. You don’t need to know that.»
As the saying goes: that was not a denial. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Neuer’s return to the national team seems to be drawing closer. Clarity might be provided by Julian Nagelsmann later on Saturday evening during his appearance on ZDF-Sportstudio.
TV Channel Announces Neuer’s Return as Confirmed – Baumann Also Comments
Meanwhile, the usually well-informed Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed Neuer’s return to the DFB team as a done deal.
Plettenberg wrote on X: «World Cup return decided: Julian Nagelsmann brings Manuel Neuer back as Germany’s No. 1 — DONE DEAL ✔️ According to this, Neuer has decided on a U-turn after talks with Nagelsmann and DFB Sporting Director Rudi Völler.»
In the meantime, Oliver Baumann, the current number 1 for the DFB, still expects to be in goal at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. «I am approaching the preparation and then the World Cup with great confidence. He has expressed his trust in me. Period,» said the TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper to Sky after the 0-4 loss at Borussia Mönchengladbach: «I have my information – from my conversation with Julian (Nagelsmann, editorial note). It was a one-on-one conversation.»