Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes has revealed to German outlet Kicker that Manuel Neuer will play no part in the club’s last two games of the season.
Neuer has been sidelined since September with a broken metatarsal but returned to first-team training last month.
There were suggestions the Germany international would recover in time to get some minutes under his belt in Bayern’s last few matches, but Heynckes has ruled that out.
Neuer is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and his absence at the 2018 World Cup would be a blow for Germany, even if they have Barcelona ace Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in reserve.
The 32-year-old says he is making progress in his recovery but remains coy on his chances of making Joachim Low’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
“I cannot say at the moment whether I will make the World Cup. I don’t think it is conceivable that I can go into the World Cup without any match practice. I am feeling very good about all the things I am doing. It looks good,” ESPN quote Neuer as saying.
“The sessions that I have completed so far have been good. I have to make the correct decision for me, the team and the football republic of Germany. It doesn't’ help getting flustered.”
“I want to get better every day and am trying to get fit as soon as possible. Up to this point, have made positive steps and I am trying to continue like this. Then we will see if this is enough.”
Ter Stegen is seemingly the favourite to start Germany’s group opener against Mexico on June 17 and it’s difficult to make a case against the Barcelona shot-stopper given his form this season.
In fact, of goalkeepers that have made at least 10 appearances in Europe’s top five leagues this season, only four have a better save success rate than the 26-year-old (79%).
