Bayern Munich Boost as Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer Steps Up Training Programme

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is closing in on a return to first-team action after training with the ball on Thursday for the first time since breaking his foot in September. 

The club's official Twitter account shared photographs of his return:

Neuer first came back to the training field on Monday but had not worked with a football until Thursday, per the Bundesliga's official site. His recovery has taken longer than first thought, with the foot injury initially expected to rule out Neuer until January.

However, he recently vowed to return to the Bayern starting lineup before the end of the 2017-18 campaign, although it could be a long time before he is ready to play.

"I hope I still get to play some games for Bayern this season—and that is realistic—but I'm not making any predictions," he said in a recent interview with FCB.tv (h/t Bundesliga.com). "I'm glad that things are going well, but it's very hard to name a date."

Unsurprisingly, Neuer's goal is to play some football prior to the summer before Germany look to retain the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Simon Hofmann/Getty Images

"Getting back into the national team with a few games under my belt is my objective," he said.

Bayern haven't missed their No. 1 despite an early-season blip. The German champions are 17 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with six matches remaining, meaning victory at Augsburg on Saturday would see them lift the title for the sixth successive season.

They also hold a commanding position in the Champions League, having beaten Sevilla 2-1 in Spain in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday. Sven Ulreich, who has been deputising in goal this season, has been in fine form after a difficult start.

CRISTINA QUICLER/Getty Images

"Sven's development is incredible," Neuer said. "It wasn't perfect at the beginning, it was a difficult time, partly due to the change of coach too. I think he's improved through the goalkeeper training with Toni Topalovic, he's said so repeatedly. It's outstanding."

Nevertheless, Bayern and Germany fans will be delighted to see Neuer back in training. They will need their goalkeeper for this summer's World Cup, not just for his shot-stopping ability but also for his leadership.