Cricket
Manuel Neuer sets eyes on Bayern Munich comeback after 10-month injury break
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After a grueling 10-month hiatus due to a severe leg injury, Bayern Munich’s star goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, is on the brink of making a return to the field. The 37-year-old German international had been sidelined since December 2022 when he broke his leg during a skiing holiday following their World Cup first-round exit. However, recent reports suggest that Neuer could be back in action as early as Saturday, facing off against struggling Mainz 05 as the Bundesliga resumes after the international break.
Neuer’s potential return has been eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike. His absence was keenly felt by Bayern Munich, who had to rely on the experienced reserve keeper, Sven Ulreich, for the majority of the year. In addition to Ulreich, the team also signed 23-year-old Israeli Daniel Peretz in August to bolster their goalkeeping options. Despite the challenges, Ulreich has managed to keep three clean sheets in the league this season, a feat last achieved by the team in the first seven matches of the 2017 season.
However, Neuer isn’t the only player making a comeback from injury. Serge Gnabry, who had suffered an arm fracture, is also back in team training this week, along with defender Matthijs de Ligt who is now fit again. Their return comes at a crucial time for Bayern Munich, who are currently third in the Bundesliga with 17 points, just two points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Despite their position, the Bavarians have yet to lose a match this term and have shown impressive form, boasting the best attack in the league with 23 goals so far.
Among the standout performers is winger Leroy Sane, who has already netted six times, surpassing his previous record for goals scored in the entire first half of a Bundesliga season. Sane will be up against Mainz’s defense, which has conceded 19 goals, making it the joint-worst backline in the league.
Meanwhile, league leaders Leverkusen are hoping to extend their winning streak to four matches as they travel to seventh-placed Vfl Wolfsburg. Xabi Alonso’s team has been the surprise package of the season, with their attacking prowess exciting fans and attracting attention from major European clubs.
Second-placed VfB Stuttgart, led by the league’s top scorer Serhou Guirassy with an impressive 13 goals, will face Champions League side Union Berlin, who have suffered seven consecutive losses in all competitions. Stuttgart is just one point behind Leverkusen, having secured six wins and one defeat.
Last year’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund, currently level on points with Bayern, could potentially take over the top spot on Friday if they manage to defeat lowly visitors Werder Bremen. As the Bundesliga resumes, the return of key players like Neuer could significantly alter the dynamics of the league.
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