Neuer set for Bayern Munich return from thumb injury

Manuel Neuer is back in contention to feature for Bayern Munich in Friday’s Bundesliga match against Augsburg following a thumb injury, coach Niko Kovac has confirmed.

Goalkeeper Neuer sustained the problem in a training session and has had to miss three matches, and there were concerns the issue might have forced him to miss the first leg of Bayern’s Champions League last-16 clash with Liverpool next Tuesday too.

But the possibility of him missing out at Anfield now appears unlikely as Kovac is confident Neuer could even play away to Augsburg on Friday.

“Manuel has not had any complaints, so he’s an option for Friday’s game again,” Kovac confirmed.

“Manuel is an ambitious goalkeeper, and those who have achieved so much must have a special ambition, and when you get there you have to do more than anyone else.

“So, the situation is not new to him. For the games he did not play, his only choice was his own decision. The player always has the last word and in this case Manuel is ready.”

A squad update from Niko #Kovac: “Everyone has trained apart from @ArjenRobben and @CorentinTolisso, including @Manuel_Neuer. He seems fine again and is an option for Friday.”#packmas #FCAFCB pic.twitter.com/hJpQh6cSbA

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 13, 2019

Sven Ulreich has deputised in Bayern’s last three games, just like he did for much of last season when Neuer was absent with a broken foot.

Although Neuer is likely to come back into the side over the course of the next few games, Kovac urged Ulreich to remain prepared for any situation.

“If you’re Bayern’s second goalkeeper, then it’s relatively easy to understand: you have to be ready for anything,” Kovac said. “That’s the second goalkeeper’s job.

“Sven always has to be ready, just in case. He needs to stay on top of his game and he’s proved in his time at Bayern that he’s always there when we need him.”

 #Kovac: “Sven #Ulreich always has to be ready just in case. He needs to stay on top of his game and he’s always there when we need him.”#packmas #FCAFCB pic.twitter.com/KEmSzkjlH2

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 13, 2019

Any hopes struggling Augsburg had of Bayern resting players ahead of their European trip are not likely to come to fruition, however, as Kovac wants to deploy a full-strength team in the Bundesliga, particularly with leaders Borussia Dortmund dropping points in their last two games.

“We have no reason to rest anyone in Augsburg,” he said. “We have enough time to regenerate ourselves.

“We do not want to underestimate the game, because this will allow us to get really up and running in the Bundesliga.”