Bayern in no rush to bring in Neuer
JUPP HEYNCKES insists Germany No.1 Manuel Neuer’s recovery from long-term injury is on track but the veteran manager remains adamant their talismanic shot-stopper will not be rushed back into action, as his side prepare for tonight’s Champions League Group B clash with Anderlecht in Brussels.
Neuer has been sidelined since September after suffering a repeat hairline fracture of a metatarsal in his left foot during training which required surgery.
And while the 31-year-old World Cup winner revealed in October he could be out for up to six months, Heynckes believes his progress is such that he may be fit for a return to the Bundesliga champions starting XI following the league’s month-long winter break.
“I think he is on schedule,” the Bayern boss said last night.
“But I’ve always protected my players. With me, no player starts again until he has recovered completely.”
Sven Ulreich has deputised for Neuer – playing in both games against Celtic in Europe this season – and has kept four clean sheets in his last five Bundesliga appearances, including in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Augsburg.
The 29-year-old has been surprised by some of the praise which has come his way following some criticism of his earlyseason displays, but he is happy with the defensive strength Heynckes has brought about since replacing Carlo Ancelotti in October.
“Everything goes so quickly in football. A few weeks ago, Lothar Matthaus said I have a problem with my eyes and now he praises me,” said Ulreich.
“I just concentrate on the next matches.”