Manuel Neuer comments on potential Germany return following Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury

After Marc-André ter Stegen’s season-ending knee injury, Manuel Neuer was asked whether a return to the German national team is a possibility despite recently announcing his retirement from international football.

Ter Stegen fell awkwardly while collecting a high ball in Barcelona’s 5-1 win at Villarreal last weekend, and has since undergone surgery. The 32-year-old was named Germany’s No. 1 by Julian Nagelsmann but now both club and country must find a replacement for the goalkeeper.

Could Manuel Neuer return to the German national team?

One of the obvious choices for the German national team is Neuer. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper announced his retirement following their exit at the 2024 European Championship. At 38, Neuer made 124 appearances for Germany since making his debut in June 2009, but he soon quashed rumours of a return.

Speaking to Sky Germany after Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, Neuer said: “I left on my own initiative.” And as further reported by Kicker, they state that a return to the DFB is not an option for Neuer.

Following Ter Stegen’s injury, Neuer sent his compatriot a message: “I also sent him a voice message after the operation,” he added. “He’s doing well considering the circumstances. I know best what it’s like to have to come back after an injury like that, and I think Marc will definitely manage it.”

But while a return to the national team isn’t on the cards for Neuer, he stated that they are in good hands.

“We have at least two excellent goalkeepers,” added Neuer. “We don’t need to worry.”

Alongside Neuer and Ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann was named in Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for Euro 2024, while Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel was named in the preliminary squad. There’s also Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp and Fulham’s Bernd Leno, both of whom have experience at the highest level.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder