Manuel Neuer returns to training ahead of Germany’s World Cup departure
| Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images |
Manuel Neuer has taken a significant step forward in his recovery from the calf injury he suffered while playing for Bayern Munich last month.
After sitting out of Germany’s 4-0 friendly win over Finland on Sunday, Neuer returned to training on Monday, just one day before Julian Nagelsmann’s squad departs for the United States for the World Cup.
The 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper first completed light jogging, then sprints, before eventually taking part in full goalkeeper training on the pitch.
With Neuer confirmed as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup, the hope is that he will be available for the final warm-up match ahead of the tournament against co-hosts the United States on Saturday.
Germany begin their World Cup campaign against Curaçao on June 14.
In Neuer’s absence, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann started in goal against Finland on Sunday.
