Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could return to action against Hertha Berlin on Saturday after missing a month due to a shoulder injury, according to coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Neuer, Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, had been out since early October, raising fears that his participation in the World Cup later this month would be jeopardized.
“Manuel will be back and will play if the final training today goes well,” Nagelsmann said at a press conference.
“We’ll see how his shoulder reacts, but if everything goes well, he’ll play.”
Germany coach Hansi Flick, who will announce his World Cup squad on Thursday, will also be pleased with the news.
“We did not keep you waiting any longer than necessary. We waited until the shoulder was pain-free before proceeding “Nagelsmann explained. “There is always a risk when you return from an injury, but that risk is much lower when the medical staff gives the all-clear.”
Thomas Mueller, Neuer’s Bayern Munich and Germany teammate, will be unable to play on Saturday due to hip problems that have kept him out of their last four league games.
Bayern, who will also have defender Lucas Hernandez and winger Kingsley Coman back in the squad after lengthy injury absences, are one point behind league leaders Union Berlin.
The Bavarians are on 25 points, while Union is on 26 points after facing Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.
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