Manuel Neuer could play a role in Bayern Munich’s heavyweight encounter with Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 25 after the Bundesliga champions’ captain returned to training, while Thomas Müller will also be an option.
Neuer has missed Bayern’s last three Bundesliga matches following surgery on his right knee, but was back on the pitch at the club’s Munich training centre on Monday going through a “goalkeeper specific” workout — according to the club’s official website — with coach Toni Topalovic.
“It’s a very good thing that we’ll be able to count on Manu again as soon as possible,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann, who has started back-up ‘keeper Sven Ulreich in Neuer’s stead.
Watch: The best of Manuel Neuer
Müller captained Bayern for Neuer’s first two games out, but was then sidelined himself by illness, missing his team’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt where the side was led by Robert Lewandowski.
Müller trained on his own on Monday, but the 32-year-old is in line to return as Bayern aim to extend their eight-point lead at the top of the table with a win over Leverkusen, who come into the game at the Allianz Arena in third place.
Leon Goretzka and Bouna Sarr also enjoyed individual sessions on Monday. Goretzka has been out since mid-December with a knee tendon problem, but is making progress.
“He’s moving quicker again,” said Nagelsmann, who has been able to field Goretzka just 12 times in the Bundesliga this season. “I’m happy for him that there are steps in the right direction.”
The Bayern coach did not, however, give a timeline for the Germany international’s return to action.