Manuel Neuer's World Cup participation in doubt. The reason revealed
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
The German national team faces a serious threat on the eve of the most important tournament of the four-year cycle.
Details: Longtime captain and undisputed first-choice keeper for Die Mannschaft, Manuel Neuer, is at risk of missing the upcoming World Cup due to a flare-up of ongoing health issues. According to Florian Plettenberg, the legendary goalkeeper continues to experience significant discomfort from a calf muscle injury, which means he is definitely ruled out of Sunday's friendly against Finland in Mainz.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that the situation demands the utmost caution, warning that rushing Neuer’s recovery could prove disastrous and ultimately cost the 40-year-old goalkeeper his World Cup dream.
"We made a joint decision within the coaching staff that Manuel will not play for now. There is absolutely no point in forcing the issue and needlessly risking his health. We simply want his recovery from this injury to proceed as calmly as possible. We have already informed Neuer of our decision, and he fully agrees with it," Nagelsmann stated.
In Sunday’s match, Oliver Baumann is expected to take his place between the posts for the German side.
Reminder: The Netherlands national team has announced its final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
