Manuel Neuer Back in Bayern Munich Matchday Squad for First Time Since September

Germany captain Manuel Neuer has been included in Bayern Munich's matchday squad for the DFB-Pokal final against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, the first time he has been able to feature since September.

Bayern confirmed the news on Friday via their official Twitter account:

Neuer has been absent for almost the entire campaign after he broke a metatarsal against Mainz on September 16 last year, his second such injury in the space of six months.

The 32-year-old was nevertheless included in Germany's provisional World Cup squad, per Fox Soccer:

Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes had given a positive update on Neuer's recovery in the days prior.

"It is looking very good with Manuel," he said on May 11, per ESPN's Mark Lovell. "It was very positive to see his development in training today. It's unbelievable the shots he was saving."

Per Lovell, the coach added: "Manuel can now carry out everything that a goalkeeper has to be able to do. But next week we will know more. Today he completed 70-80 per cent of team training. He has endured such bad luck and always fought back so resolutely."

Although it's unclear if he'll start the match or settle for a place on the bench, Neuer's inclusion in the squad is evidence he has continued well on the path back to full fitness.

He now has until the final squad deadline on June 4 to prove himself to Germany boss Joachim Low and the national team's medical staff, but he looks to have recovered just in time.

The stopper's lack of recent match practice could be a concern even if he is able to go to the World Cup, though, so his place in the starting lineup may not be guaranteed given Low has a strong No. 2 in Marc-Andre ter Stegen to call upon if needed.