Neuer's Fitness Clouded by Injury Concerns Ahead of World Cup Selection

Bayern Munich's veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer left Saturday's Bundesliga encounter with Cologne early following an injury complaint, raising fresh questions about his fitness heading into a crucial month for German football.

The substitution has sparked uncertainty regarding whether the storied custodian will be available for the German Cup final scheduled for May 23, as well as his prospects of earning a spot on the German national team's roster for the upcoming World Cup tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

During a television appearance on ZDF on Saturday, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann declined to provide clarity on Neuer's status. The former Bayern Munich manager indicated he intended to hold individual conversations with potential squad members before finalizing his selections, emphasizing that such discussions had not yet taken place.

Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim currently serves as Germany's primary goalkeeper option. Nagelsmann is scheduled to unveil his preliminary squad list the following Thursday.