It's been quite some time, but Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer has returned to training, as per reports from Germany.
The 37-year-old shot-stopper, who has enjoyed an undisputed reign as Bayern's no. 1 man between the posts, broke his leg during a skiing holiday in December and was expected to miss the rest of the 2022/23 season. However, Neuer has recovered faster than many had anticipated, and has been able to get involved in some light training after nearly six months on the sidelines.
Yann Sommer, who was brought in this winter from Borussia Moenchengladbach as a back-up for Neuer, has been deputizing in the German's absence, but could apparently be making a swift exit from the Allianz Arena with Neuer expected to re-claim his no. 1 spot. That's despite Neuer celebrating his 38th birthday next year.
Meanwhile, Bayern, who have previously been largely unchallenged in the Bundesliga as they strolled to the league title season after season, are now facing an actual title challenge for the first time in years. Borussia Dortmund sit just a point behind with three games to go, and die Roten ended up sacking Julian Naglesmann in lieu of Thomas Tuchel following another disappointing season in the Champions League.
It remains to be seen if Neuer will be fully recovered in time to make his return before the end of the season, but Bayern fans will surely be happy to hear that one of the team's stalwarts is closing in on a return sooner than expected.
