Manuel Neuer Set to Face Liverpool After Injury, Predicts 'Special' Atmosphere

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer expects to be fit to face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League following an injury to his right thumb. 

Neuer has missed the Bavarians' last three matches in all competitions and on Sunday he only used his feet in training, but he thinks he'll be ready for their trip to Anfield on February 19.

He told ESPN's Raphael Honigstein: "I am fine, it's not that bad. I think our medical [staff] will push me into goal and if everything is fine in training, I will play [against Liverpool]. We are all positive. I think I will be between the sticks."

The 32-year-old is eagerly anticipating the last-16 tie, too. He added:

"It's the first game for me at Anfield. I'm looking forward to playing there.

"We have heard a lot about the atmosphere in the stadium—everyone who watches football knows it's special—and I think they will be two great games.

"For us, the Champions League is very important. It is a knockout tie, two finals. We are happy to play in their stadium.

"Hopefully, it will be great night for us. But it depends on the result, of course."

Neuer has not been at his best this season, per WhoScored.com:

He's not the only one in Munich to suffer a drop in form in this campaign.

Many of his team-mates have also struggled to perform to their capabilities, and as a result Bayern are five points behind Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, which they've won six years in a row.

As Goal's Ronan Murphy illustrated, Niko Kovac's side are vulnerable at the back, but it will not necessarily be an easy tie for Liverpool:

Football journalist Chris Williams is looking forward to the two sides meeting:

Bayern are vulnerable at the back, and the Reds have the firepower to do hurt them, but the German outfit are still stacked with top-level talent and experience, so if they perform well they have just as much chance of progressing as Liverpool.

Likewise, Neuer may not have had a season up to his usual standards, but if he's fit to play and performs at the world-class level he's capable of, he could swing the tie in his side's favour.