Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer on path to recovery after horrific leg injury while skiing

Bayern Munich's renowned goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, rejoined his team's training session on Monday, marking his first appearance since his leg injury in a skiing mishap in December.

SportsTak

• Mon • 28 Aug 2023

Bayern Munich's renowned goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, rejoined his team's training session on Monday, marking his first appearance since his leg injury in a skiing mishap in December. The club confirmed this encouraging development in a statement, noting that the 37-year-old captain "has now taken the next step on the comeback trail."

Although Bayern hasn't revealed specifics about Neuer's training regimen or his potential return date to play in matches, they released a promising image of him diving to block a ball. Neuer's most recent match before the injury was representing Germany at the World Cup on December 1.

In Neuer's absence, Sven Ulreich, his long-standing substitute, has efficiently filled the void, taking the goalkeeper's position for Bayern's first three games this season. This includes Bayern's recent victory over Augsburg with a score of 3-1. Alongside Neuer during Monday's training was newcomer Daniel Peretz, a recent acquisition from Maccabi Tel Aviv. Bayern signed Peretz to augment the depth of their champion team, especially in light of Neuer's unforeseen injury break.

The ambiguity surrounding Neuer's fitness status has significantly dominated discussions during Bayern's transfer window. The club made headlines with the signing of England's forward Harry Kane. However, Jan-Christian Dreesen, Bayern's chief executive, admitted the club had set sights on securing Chelsea's goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga. Unfortunately for Bayern, Kepa chose to go on loan with Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich's coach, Thomas Tuchel, provided a silver lining by indicating that Neuer's recuperation was progressing faster than initially anticipated after a recent surgery to remove metal implants from his leg.

To address the goalkeeper's role during Neuer's recovery, Bayern had previously enlisted Yann Sommer from Switzerland as a temporary solution last season. Sommer has since transitioned to Inter Milan this month, and another goalie, Alexander Nübel, was loaned to Stuttgart.

Although Bayern faced a 3-0 setback against Leipzig in the season-opening German Super Cup, they bounced back with two consecutive wins in their Bundesliga campaign. The return of Neuer signifies an optimistic turn for the club as they navigate the season ahead.