Metatarsal fractures have consigned Neuer to the sidelines
Played his last Bayern game in September 2017, most recent international in November 2016
Now in a race against time to be fit for Russia
Manuel Neuer established himself as the embodiment of the modern goalkeeper at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. While he was by no means the first shot stopper capable of creating something with the ball at his feet and his exceptional skill was already beyond doubt to football fans across Germany, his courageous displays in South America four years ago captivated audiences around the world. He was ultimately rewarded with the World Cup Trophy and the adidas Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Although it may have escaped the notice of some fans around the globe, many in Germany have been preoccupied by the fact that Neuer has been injured for more than a year with two successive metatarsal fractures. The most recent of his four appearances this season was in mid-September, while he was last capped for his country in November 2016.
The road to recovery is proving to be a difficult one. "It’s really important that nothing happens to my foot now, otherwise it could put my career at risk," he said back in March, before providing a further update in April: "There are still plenty of question marks. I have to be happy with my performance and be honest with myself. Can I hold my own again after such a long absence?"
The 32-year-old has since returned to training. Although there was initially speculation that he would be fit enough to return for Bayern Munich’s penultimate or last Bundesliga match, such estimates proved to be premature. The latest news from the German champions is positive ahead of the DFB Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Berlin on Saturday, with the club confirming on Friday that Neuer will be included in the matchday squad.
But what does all this mean for his place in the national team at Russia 2018? Although national coach Joachim Low included his captain Neuer as one of four goalkeepers when announcing his provisional squad on Tuesday, he made it clear that he would only take three of them to this summer’s World Cup finals.
"Manuel and I know the responsibility we have," Low said. "He has already played at four major tournaments and knows what a goalkeeper needs. We will give him time and hope he will be able to come."
There is a Plan B, of course, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen now Germany’s clear number two goalkeeper behind Neuer after an impressive FIFA Confederations Cup last summer. There are certainly worse backup plans than having Barcelona’s 26-year-old starting custodian ready to step into the breach, especially as Ter Stegen shares much of Neuer’s attacking mindset and is currently one of the world’s best goalkeepers in his own right.
Despite this, Low’s assertion on Tuesday that "nobody can go to a tournament like this without game time" came as something of a surprise. Will a cup final and/or the international friendly against Austria on 2 June be enough game time for a World Cup, or is the national coach gently preparing the country for the news that Neuer will not make the plane?
"We’re being very frank with each other," Low said. "[After the South Tyrol training camp] we’ll talk openly and honestly about whether he can play at the World Cup or not, and make a final decision on 4 June."
Meghan will spend tonight preparing for her big day at Cliveden while Prince Harrywill stay with his best man Prince William at the nearby Coworth Park.
The Royal pair greeted jubilant crowds - many covered in Union Jacks and bunting - who have lined the streets of the town to witness tomorrow's spectacular procession.
The 73-year-old suffered a heart scare last week which he has reportedly blamed on an open letter by his son Tom Jr – who has since said he’s “mortified”
A Kensington Palace statement said: "Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George's Chapel on her Wedding Day.
"The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the Royal Family in this way."
Prince Charles to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at Royal Wedding after dad Thomas pulls out
Meghan issued a statement saying she 'cared' for her father
Despite 61-year-old mum Doria not walking her daughter down the aisle, it has been a big few days for the American yoga instructor - flying into London to meet the Royal Family, and today expected to meet the Queen for tea.
Photographs show the Royal Standard flying over Windsor Castle this afternoon - showing the monarch is already there in preparation for tomorrow's ceremony.
Doria will stay with her daughter at Cliveden House tonight ahead of the wedding, while Prince Harry will stay with his best man Prince William at Coworth Park.
Anticipation is reaching fever pitch about Meghan's dress, with the Queen expected to see the gown before the big day tomorrow.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive in Windsor ahead of the Royal Wedding
WATCH LIVE: Huge crowds in Windsor as the town prepares for the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
It's good news for Meghan and Harry, who have endured a turbulent week in the lead up to the big day.
Meghan had yesterday released an emotionally-charged statement to confirm her 73-year-old dad Thomas Markle, who lives in Mexico, would not be able to attend her big day.
In the statement, the bride-to-be said: "Sadly my father will not be attending our wedding.
Security foces, including the police have been staging a high profile presence in Windsor
"I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.
"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."
Thomas Markle was due to be at Meghan's side, but her father pulled out after he underwent a heart operation earlier this week following revelations that he had posed for paparazzi
Meghan's mum Doria, pictured leaving her home in LA earlier this week, had been tipped to walk her daughter down the aisle before Prince Charles was confirmed
There will be a heavy police presence around Windsor for the wedding
The Royal Wedding plans were thrown into chaos when 73-year-old Thomas Sr announced he wouldn't be attending - after being left embarrassed over staged paparazzi photos.
While Meghan reportedly begged her father to attend - saying she still loved him - her reclusive dad eventually pulled out.
This means that mum Doria will be the only direct relative of Meghan's at the wedding.
Pals flew into the UK to support Meghan, with best friend Jessica Mulroney arriving this week.
The Canadian socialite's children are among those who will be bridesmaids and page boys during the ceremony.
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Prince George and his little sister Princess Charlotte will also be part of the ceremony at their uncle's wedding.
Police have been seen patrolling the area, with the heavy presence steadily increased throughout Windsor during the buildup.
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