Joachim Low expects Manuel Neuer to be back by March
With the World Cup on the horizon, Joachim Low is confident Manuel Neuer will be fit to lead defending champions Germany in Russia.
Joachim Löw expects Manuel Neuer to resume training in February or March and be ready in time to lead Germany at 2018 World Cup Russia. Neuer has not featured for Bayern Munich or Die Mannschaft since September. The goalkeeper underwent surgery at the start of the campaign to correct a broken bone in his left foot.
Neuer aiming to return ahead of 2018 Russia
The 31-year-old remains on crutches as he continues his rehabilitation, but has previously stated he is confident of making it to Russia. That optimism is shared by national team head coach Löw, who believes his number one will be back in action well ahead of the tournament.
"The plan is that he can train sometime in February, March, that he certainly needs more time [to recover]," Löw told Radio B5. "He is the best keeper in the world, our captain and we absolutely need him."