Following their arrival in the USA, the German national team have begun their preparations for the World Cup dress rehearsal against hosts USA. However, Manuel Neuer was once again absent from the first training session in Chicago. The Bayern keeper is still undergoing weight training – his involvement on Saturday remains open
Hopes of a swift comeback for the 40-year-old have thus been dampened slightly. While national coach Julian Nagelsmann was able to welcome 25 of his 26 World Cup players to the training ground of MLS club Chicago Fire, the returnee of all players was once again absent
According to the DFB, Neuer is continuing to work individually on his return from the calf injury that cost him the DFB Cup final with FC Bayern
Deployment against the USA no more likely
As a result, a start in the dress rehearsal against the United States on Saturday is becoming increasingly doubtful. Just a few days ago, Nagelsmann explained that he wanted to assess developments on a daily basis and not take any unnecessary risks
The fact that Neuer also missed the first training session in Chicago suggests that those responsible are continuing to proceed with extreme caution. The primary objective remains unchanged: the Bayern captain should be fully fit in time for the World Cup opener against Curaçao
Baumann should get his chance again
If Neuer is also absent against the USA, Oliver Baumann is likely to stand between the posts again. The Hoffenheim man already impressed in the 4-0 win over Finland and continues to enjoy the confidence of the coaching team
Nagelsmann has recently emphasized several times that Baumann played an important role in the successful World Cup qualification and has earned his call-up
Decision probably only at short notice
Meanwhile, there was positive news from Kai Havertz, the attacking player who arrived late to join the national team after losing the Champions League final with Arsenal FC against Paris Saint-Germain and has now completed his first training session with the team
Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig was also on the pitch as an additional training keeper
Further non-public training sessions are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, after which Nagelsmann and the medical staff should decide whether Neuer will be able to get at least a few minutes against the USA
However, there are currently many indications that the national coach will not be taking any risks. The World Cup starts in just a few days – and a fit Manuel Neuer at the start of the tournament would be far more important for Germany than playing in a test match.