Hansi Flick and Germany have been handed a boost ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this month. After missing Bayern Munich’s last seven games across all competitions, Manuel Neuer returns to the starting XI.
It was reported last week that Neuer (36) had set himself a schedule of playing at least two Bundesliga games prior to the World Cup. The German stopper wanted to play against Werder Bremen and Schalke but has come back ahead of his personalised schedule, lining up against Hertha Berlin.
Speaking last month, Julian Nagelsmann expected Neuer to feature for Germany at the World Cup and if his shoulder doesn’t have a reaction today, he can expect to be Germany’s No. 1 against Japan on November 23. Had Neuer not been fit enough, it’s likely that Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen (30) would likely start in his place with the third spot going to Kevin Trapp.
Heading into the competition, Flick is having somewhat of a selection headache. This comes after Timo Werner was ruled out of the tournament following an ankle injury.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
