Bundesliga

Manuel Neuer is making a comeback in Berlin two weeks before the World Cup

Published

5 months ago

November 5, 2022

Manuel Neuer is making a comeback in Berlin two weeks before the World Cup

National goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from FC Bayern makes his comeback in the away game at Hertha BSC. The 36-year-old is in the starting XI for the game on Saturday after a week-long injury break.

According to trainer Julian Nagelsmann, the decision about an assignment was only made on Friday: “We wanted to wait and see from day to day how he coped with the training sessions, but it’s all good, he gave the green light,” said the coach before 3: 2 at the old lady sky. Ultimately, only the player can decide for himself that there is “always a small residual risk in football. That’s normal. At some point you have to start.”

“Definitely,” Neuer trusts his body again, “he trained very well yesterday, kept almost everything. It looked the same as always.” After the game, the player himself said: “It’s a bit tweaked here and there, but I feel very good about myself. I can do anything. I didn’t have any problems in training either. And today it wasn’t a problem either.” Will he be at the World Cup? “Clear.”

Neuer had been out since mid-October due to a painful bruised shoulder joint and had missed seven competitive games during this time.

That’s why the question came up again and again as to whether Neuer would be fit again in time for the World Cup in Qatar (November 20th to December 18th). On Friday evening, however, the 2014 world champion addressed the fans in a Twitter video on the Bayern account. “I’m fine. I did the first team training session. Everything was fine,” said Neuer. For the World Cup it looks “of course good”.

Bayern notes: Choupo makes Lewy forget – two players bad

1/16

FC Bayern beat Hertha BSC 3-2. While some German national players presented themselves well, one attacker stood out. The grades and individual reviews of the FCB players.

2/16

MANUEL NEUER: Made his comeback after around two months and was able to stand out against Lukébakio shortly after the kick-off (4th). Strong save against Richter (29th). As always attentive. With both goals against without a chance. Note 3.

3/16

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: Was very far forward when in possession of the ball, almost interpreting his role as a right wing. But had little impact. Lukebakio escaped him from time to time, at 1: 3 he came too late against them (40th). Grade: 3.5.

4/16

BENJAMIN PAVARD: Was allowed to approach his favorite position in central defense – and did a good job. Attentive to Hertha’s lurking double attack. Minus point: Too impetuous in the foul that led to the penalty (44th). Note 3.

5/16

DAYOT UPAMECANO: Selke bit his teeth on him, he disturbed the striker several times decisively. Not on the post at 1: 3 (40th). Otherwise very consistent. In addition to Kimmich, the asset in the build-up game (103 ball actions). Grade: 2.5.

6/16

ALPHONSO DAVIES: With two unnecessary turnovers in his own half, luckily for him these went unpunished. Left judges at 1: 3 too much space. Otherwise often wide awake in the duels, active forward as usual. grade: 4

7/16

JOSHUA KIMMICH: Played some outstanding passes to the top, but also lost an unusual number of balls (24). He kept his position as a defensive six very disciplined and also conquered some balls. Grade: 2.5.

8/16

LEON GORETZKA: It’s a shame that his dream pass to Musiala didn’t result in a goal (33′). Assist to make it 2-0 when his deflected shot ended up at Choupo-Moting. Enormous offensive drive. Even at the World Cup there is no way around him. Grade: 2.

9/16

SERGE GNABRY: Dropped conspicuously low in a few scenes to boost offense. Also with many good runs into the interface, but his flanks often lacked accuracy. His template at 3-0 was more of a coincidence. Note 3.

10/16

JAMAL MUSIALA: It was difficult against the aggressive Hertha at the beginning, but then took the lead with cold blood (12′). Significantly improved after the break. Extremely strong solo before the supposed 4:2 (57th). Grade: 2.5.

11/16

SADIO MANÉ: Confirmed his improving form of the last few weeks. Strong action before the 1:0! Winning the ball, nice run and perfectly timed submission to Musiala. Just missed out on Christensen (24′). Grade: 2.

12/16

ERIC MAXIM CHOUPO-MOTING: Barely in the game for a long time until he scored twice in two minutes. First in the best striker manner, the second with a lot of luck. Made room at the top with his presence. He makes Lewandowski more and more forgotten. Rating: 1.5.

13/16

LUCAS HERNÁNDEZ: Came on for the injured Davies (64th) and was back on the pitch for the first time since mid-September. Offensively a bit more passive, but defensively stable. Grade: 3.5.

14/16

KINGSLEY COMAN: Replaced Mané to bring fresh air to the tired Hertha defense (64′). The really big moments were missing. Nagelsmann had certainly expected more from him. grade: 4

15/16

LEROY SANÉ: Also returning from his injury. He came on for Gnabry (75th). Remained without significant action. No rating.

16/16

MARCEL SABITZER: Allowed Goretzka a short break (78th) and fulfilled his task in central midfield. No rating.

Neuer on cancer: “Of course a shock”

In addition, Neuer was asked about the report from the beginning of the week that he had to have three operations in the past for skin cancer: “First you shrink back a bit and are a bit scared,” he said. “If you are then informed – especially by the dermatologist – and know how to deal with it. Then it is very important, at my age or over 30, that you have check-ups.”

It’s important “to put on lotion and not to be too careless with the UV rays. It was a shock. Now I have to be examined every few years, but if nothing else is missing, then everything is fine.”