Injury roundup: Neuer on track, Boateng bedeviled

Manuel Neuer: right on track

With all the turbulence surrounding Bayern Munich’s former head doctor Volker Braun, the most important question has been overlooked: how is Manuel Neuer’s recovery proceeding? The answer is “very well.” Contrary to a report published by Bild that alleged Neuer would need an additional 4-5 weeks on crutches, jeopardizing a comeback in January, Neuer’s media agent has told kicker that that is simply not the case.

Manuel still anticipates that he will be able to rejoin [training] during the winter break.

The target date for Neuer’s comeback thus remains January. German national team coach Joachim Löw, who has been closely watching the progress of his first-choice keeper, stated,

What I have heard from the doctors does not keep me up at night. I know that Manuel needs a few more weeks, but that is on schedule, and he’ll resume training next year.

Löw concluded, “I know from our doctors that it is absolutely doable.”

Jerome Boateng: still not fit

As mentioned previously, Jerome is traveling with the German national team but will not participate in their upcoming match against England (Friday, 3pm ET). Boateng is still dealing with the muscular issues that have plagued him throughout the season.

Speaking to Sport Bild, Boateng revealed he might also miss the Nationalmannschaft's upcoming clash with France:

The plan is that I will not play against England and potentially also not against France. I will use the time with the national team to receive treatment.

Boateng had already suffered the injury prior to his arrival. It was one of the cases in which former head doctor Volker Braun’s diagnosis was challenged, ultimately leading to his exit. Boateng commented on the situation,

We have to take the situation as it is. The club and its players have to find the best solution.

Boateng himself reiterated that he will continue to be treated by Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt, whom he has seen privately even after he resigned as Bayern's head doctor in 2015. Müller-Wohlfahrt is considered by many the man most likely to replace Braun.

Robert Lewandowski: no risks

Bayern's and Poland's irreplaceable striker Robert Lewandowski is in somewhat the same situation as Boateng: according to Polish sports newspaper Przegląd Sportowy, Lewandowski will miss Poland's upcoming matches against Uruguay and Mexico.

Lewandowski suffered a slight hamstring strain in Bayern's 2:0 win over RB Leipzig. It was initially announced that he would miss only Poland's first match, against Uruguay. However, since Lewandowski is still feeling discomfort in the muscle, the Polish national team doctors want to allow the injury to heal completely, seeing no point in taking any risks whatsoever.

Franck Ribery: on the ball

Shortly after hitting the pitch again since his injury, Franck Ribery has officially resumed training with the ball. He is enjoying himself, to judge by his social media:

It looks as though Ribery will be available after the winter break.

Müller and Bernat: back in Augsburg?

Thomas Müller was already performing light training units before the international break. He is expected to make his comeback in Bayern's duel with neighboring Augsburg when the Bundesliga resumes. Juan Bernat, who rejoined team training last week after recovering from a torn syndesmosis suffered in the preseason, could also at last be in the squad yet again.