Lewandowski’s departure massive loss for Bayern, says Neuer
FC Barcelona on Saturday announced they had reached the "principle of an agreement" to sign the Polish striker.
Germany custodian Manuel Neuer has effectively quelled his doubters by pulling off an incredible save with his legs to deny teammate Thomas Muller from scoring in a test match and the video has, unsurprisingly, spread like wildfire.
Towards the end of the 2016-17 season, Neuer suffered a foot fracture that would keep him out for a couple of months but the 32-year-old was expected to return in time for the 2017-18 campaign.
And while return he did, it was short-lived as he suffered another foot injury and then incredibly, fractured the same foot again.
As a result, his participation at the quadrennial showpiece that is the 2018 FIFA World Cup was in major doubt but Joachim Loew was always confident he would recover in time.
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Still, after having been out of action for over seven months and effectively a year if you consider both injuries, Neuer was always in a race against time.
Not just to make the 23-man squad, but to be able to be at the top of his game as Die Mannschaft seek to become the first time in over 50 years to successfully defend the World Cup.
After having watched the aforementioned video, however, there can be no doubt that the Germany and Bayern Munich custodian is up to speed and will be starting for Loew’s men at the World Cup.
Among the favourites, Die Mannschaft play two warm-up friendlies before they open their campaign on June 17.
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Neuer, who is also the captain, is likely to start when they take on Austria on Saturday, while back-up option Marc-Andre ter Stegen will feature when Germany play Saudi Arabia on June 8.
The reigning world champions kick of their title defence by taking on Mexico.
They have been drawn in Group F, alongside the aforementioned Central Americans, and have Sweden and South Korea for company.
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