Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is confident he will be fit to face Liverpool in the Champions League next week.
The German giants travel to Anfield for the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 19, before the return fixture back in Munich on March 13.
Why was Neuer a doubt to face Liverpool? Five key things to know…
- Neuer has missed Bayern’s last two matches with a thumb injury.
- According to reports, he trained without using his hands on Sunday.
- However, Neuer believes he will have fully recovered by the time Bayern travel to Liverpool next Tuesday.
- The 32-year-old missed the majority of last season with a fractured metatarsal and struggled at the World Cup for Germany.
- He has conceded 26 goals in 28 games across all competitions this term, keeping a total of 11 clean sheets.
Bayern have been without Neuer in each of their last two games. Stand-in goalkeeper Sven Ulreich conceded four goals across those matches.
But Neuer, who has already kept three clean sheets in the Champions League this season, is confident of returning to face Liverpool.
“I am fine, it’s not that bad,” he told ESPN. “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.”
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Neuer looking forward to “special” Anfield atmosphere
Neuer has never played at Anfield before but admits he knows all about the atmosphere Liverpool fans create on European nights.
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.”
Liverpool have lost just once at home all season, falling to a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the early stages of the League Cup.
The Reds won all three of the Champions League group games at Anfield and have dropped just four points at home in the Premier League.
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