Germany Consider Neuer Recall Ahead of World Cup Squad Announcement

Manuel Neuer could make an unexpected return to the Germany national football team for the FIFA World Cup, according to reports from German media on Tuesday.

German outlet Bild reported that coach Julian Nagelsmann has informed members of the squad — including goalkeeper Oliver Baumann — that Neuer will be included in the team to be officially announced on Thursday.

Nagelsmann avoided discussing the reports during a German television appearance over the weekend, while the German Football Association also declined to comment on the matter.

Neuer stepped away from international football after Euro 2024 following a distinguished Germany career that included 124 caps and a World Cup triumph in 2014.

The veteran goalkeeper recently committed his future to Bayern Munich by extending his contract until 2027.

Despite Nagelsmann repeatedly supporting Baumann as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, injuries to Marc-André ter Stegen have complicated the situation ahead of the tournament.

Neuer has shown strong form this season and earned praise after starring in Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid.

However, injury concerns continue to follow the 40-year-old, who has struggled with calf problems linked to the leg he fractured in a 2022 skiing accident.

The goalkeeper suffered another setback on Saturday when he was forced off during Bayern’s final Bundesliga match of the campaign, placing his availability for the German Cup final against Stuttgart in doubt.

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