体坛英语新闻：Neuer may miss World Cup, says Kahn

BERLIN, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Manuel Neuer's return to action is a real nail biter. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper could possibly miss the 2018 World Cup due to his foot injury, said former German international Oliver Kahn in advance of Germany's friendlies against Spain and Brazil.

With Neuer undergoing further fitness tests at his club's training center, Kahn stressed, "The situation is different compared to 2014 for Manuel." The former goalkeeper told German media Neuer will have more problems than in 2014 to return to full fitness and book a ticket to the World Cup.

"He's older now and recovery takes longer," Kahn continued. The 31-year old Neuer only just returned in time for the 2014 tournament after suffering a shoulder injury.

The 48-year-old said Neuer's attempt to recover is thwart with danger as the 2014 world champion is currently trying to get over the third consecutive injury to the same bone in the foot. Since September 2017, he has missed 39 games for his club.

"His coaches will get to the point when they will have to decide if it makes sense to let him play at all," Kahn noted. Bayern Munich is under pressure to perform well as the season has reached crunch-time "when decisions about titles are made."

It he is not able to match practice at Bayern, Neuer will not be of great help to Germany's head coach Joachim Loew assumed Kahn.

The Nuremberg-based football magazine kicker reports Neuer is expected to do some intensive testing today and the rest of the week on a treadmill. Doctors and Neuer want to see how the injured foot is reacting after training at greater intensity.

If the results are satisfying Neuer could make a successful return in late April in advance of the final squad nomination made by Loew on May 15.

Kahn said Neuer needs full confidence in his foot's stability to perform at a satisfying level. Should Neuer not make it back in time it will be a big loss for the German team. Even so he has full confidence in Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (FC Barcelona). "He is ready and desperate to play a World Cup."

Former German coach Berti Vogts said Neuer at least needs to do turnout in the season's last league games and in the national team's final friendlies in the run-up to the World Cup against Austria and Saudi-Arabia in June.

"Without these games, I doubt whether it makes sense to pick him. These games must be the deadline," Vogts commented when speaking about the world's best goalkeeper.

Former German international and Real Madrid keeper Bodo Illgner said Neuer needs to reach full fitness to survive a World Cup. "We all know about his abilities, to play at the beginning of May is vital. It's important for every goalie to get the feeling for spaces and his goal," the 1990 World Champion emphasized.

Playing the World Cup with Ter Stegen "is far from a problem," Illgner said. The 26-year-old's value in Barcelona is similar Lionel Messi's. Illgner mentioned that Ter Stegen has gained experience on the highest level of international football. "He is a Champions League winner."

Germany's sports director Oliver Bierhoff expressed optimism about Neuer's return despite the Bayern keeper having to postpone his return several times. "We hope he will be entirely fit when nominated. The 1996 European Champion is concerned about Neuer's lack of match practice.

"We hope a keeper of his quality can get back top shape in training without having to play much in competitive matches," Bierhoff stressed, adding the final decision will be made by the team's doctors and Neuer.