Manuel Neuer's latest injury setback has thrown Germany's goalkeeping plans into fresh turmoil, with former international Thomas Hitzlsperger suggesting that Julian Nagelsmann may have postponed a major squad announcement because of the Bayern Munich stopper's recurring calf problem. Neuer was substituted during Bayern's final Bundesliga match against Cologne on Saturday, marking his third calf-related absence this season and raising fresh doubts over his World Cup readiness.
Speculation has mounted in recent weeks about whether the 40-year-old might reverse his international retirement to reclaim the number one shirt. Nagelsmann sidestepped direct questions during a television appearance, choosing instead to defer all squad matters until an official announcement on Thursday. Hitzlsperger believes the injury forced the manager's hand: "Maybe he had planned to announce Manuel Neuer as the new number one, then Neuer got injured against Cologne and he realised he couldn't say that after all."
Uncertainty Clouds Selection Process
The timeline reveals mounting complexity in Germany's goalkeeper selection. After Neuer's initial retirement and Marc-André ter Stegen's injury, Nagelsmann had settled on TSG Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann as his primary option. However, signals now suggest the Bayern legend could be tempted back, though his injury record this season—three absences for the same muscular complaint—presents obvious concerns heading into a major tournament.
Nagelsmann's handling of the situation has drawn criticism beyond the goalkeeping debate. Hitzlsperger pointed to poor communication surrounding Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav, whom the manager publicly relegated to a substitute role before later questioning whether Undav would have scored from the bench. "If he questions Undav after a winning goal and says he wouldn't have scored if he'd played from the start, then I ask: what's the point?" the former midfielder asked.
Communication Concerns Mount
The broader pattern troubles Hitzlsperger, who suggested Nagelsmann's advisory team may be falling short. "Walking on eggshells" has become the phrase most associated with the manager's recent decision-making. "It would help if he had advisors who could guide him well," Hitzlsperger told broadcasters. "Looking back over the past few months, I'd say the advice hasn't been up to scratch."
With Thursday's squad announcement imminent, clarity should finally arrive on Neuer's status. Whether the goalkeeper's injury forces a definitive answer or simply extends the uncertainty remains to be seen—but the pattern of Nagelsmann's communications suggests neither outcome will settle the debate completely.
