Manuel Neuer resumes first-team training with Bayern Munich

This is news all Bayern Munich fans have been eagerly anticipating: Manuel Neuer resumed full first-team training earlier this morning for the first time since suffering a metatarsal injury in the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid. This comes just two days after Neuer started running at 100% for the first time since the injury occurred.

The club released a brief statement about Neuer earlier this morning:

Under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic, the 31-year-old shot-stopper was able to complete his first specific goalkeeping session. Neuer spent 20 minutes catching and throwing a few balls without overexerting himself.

The newly appointed captain remains on schedule to be fit and available for Bayern’s Bundesliga opener against Bayer Leverkusen in just over two weeks. The return of the world’s best keeper will give fans a massive sigh of relief in light of Bayern’s lackluster preseason performances.

Carlo Ancelotti has utilized the likes of Tom Starke, Sven Ulreich, Ron-Torban Hofmman, and Christian Früchtl during the preseason. Between the four of them, Bayern conceded a total of 18 goals across all 10 preseason fixtures, conceding on average almost 2 goals per match. Ancelotti thus will certainly be delighted to have his number one back in goal.

Welcome back, Manuel Neuer!