Manuel Neuer Won’t Be Rushed Back From Injury – Juup Heynckes

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will only return to action when he is 100 percent healthy, says manager Jupp Heynckes.

Manuel Neuer is recovering from a hairline fracture in his left foot suffered in training back in September, and is on track with his rehabilitation schedule.

However, Heynckes, who was speaking at a news conference ahead of Bayern’s Champions League group stage match with Anderlecht on Wednesday, declared he would not rush the German international back into action.

“I think he is on schedule,” he said on Tuesday. “But I’ve always protected my players. With me, no player starts again until he has recovered completely. That’s why there’s no pressure from my side at all.”

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge gave a more detailed update on Neuer’s recovery, telling reporters: “He’ll soon be able to put down the crutches.

“There’s no reason to be pessimistic. Everything is as the doctors said it would be. It’s all going to plan.”

Neuer’s backup, Sven Ulreich, came in for criticism after shaky early displays this season, but has since put in more assured performances for the Bundesliga leaders.

And he says he’s been caught off guard by the sudden praise from Bayern supporters and former players.

“Everything goes so quickly in football. A few weeks ago, Lothar Matthaus said I have a problem with my eyes and now he praises me,” said Ulreich.

“I don’t give much thought to it. I just concentrate on the next matches.

“The coach has put a lot of focus on the defence. The aim is always to keep a clean sheet. We are defending compact again and working together as a team at the back.”