Manuel Neuer to start for Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer will start for Bayern Munich on Saturday afternoon, more than 10 months after suffering a broken leg.

Thomas Tuchel confirmed the news ahead of Bayern’s game against Darmstadt: “As long as nothing happens in training, he’ll play tomorrow. He’s excited, we’re all excited.”

It will be 350 days since Neuer last featured for the Rekordmeister, with Tuchel adding: “I can feel his excitement and his class. He’s enjoying it right now and can he proud of himself. His comeback is very impressive. I’m confident he’ll quickly get back into top shape.”

Sven Ulreich has deputised for Neuer in recent weeks following the departure of Yann Sommer to Inter in the summer. That also means that Daniel Peretz will become Bayern’s third goalkeeper and according to Bild, his entourage will hold talks with Bayern to discuss the next best option for the 23-year-old stopper, and whether or not that would be a loan move.

It’s been quite the journey for Neuer, who broke his leg in a freak skiing accident while on holiday in December, following Germany’s elimination from the World Cup in Qatar.

As a result, Bayern Munich signed Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Sommer in January for an initial €8m- the Swiss international played 25 games across all competitions.

Now with Neuer returning to the starting XI, Ulreich will step aside.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder