- Manuel Neuer is still recovering from a broken leg he suffered last December
- Ilkay Gundogan has been named Germany captain in Neuer’s absence
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all begins!’
Manuel Neuer will not return as Germany captain until the veteran goalkeeper returns to full fitness after his broken leg.
The 37-year-old has been out of action since breaking his leg in a skiing accident in the Bavarian Alps last December.
Neuer returned to training in August but his comeback was postponed last month after he was left out of Bayern Munich’s squad for a German DFB Cup match against SC Preussen Munster.
He has been a stalwart for the German team since his debut in 2009, with the goalkeeper making 117 appearances for his country, while being named captain in 2017.
New Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Neuer will not be reinstated as captain when he returns to the national team after injury.
Manuel Neuer will not return as Germany captain as he recovers from his long-term injury
New Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Neuer will not resume his role
Ilkay Gündogan has been appointed Germany captain ahead of the home European Championship next summer
Your browser does not support iframes.
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan was given the captain’s armband for Germany’s two friendlies against the United States and Mexico during the international break.
Nagelsmann confirmed the former Man City star will remain in the role ahead of a home European Championship next summer.
“Ilkay will remain captain,” Nagelsmann said, as reported by the German newspaper Image.
‘It is important that we have continuity there.’
Doubts remain over whether Neuer will play for his country again as he recovers from the serious injury.
Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen has established himself as Germany’s number one goalkeeper in Neuer’s absence.
Nagelsmann reportedly clashed with Neuer while in charge of Bayern.
Neuer is said to be angry about the dismissal of goalkeeping coach Tony Tapalovic after almost twelve years at the club.
The goalkeeper said his ‘heart was ripped open’ after hearing the news about Tapalovic, who was his former teammate at Schalke and also the best man at his wedding.
Neuer has been out of action since breaking his leg in a skiing accident last December
Marc-André ter Stegen has become Germany’s number one goalkeeper in the absence of Neuer
Tapalovic’s dismissal came after Nagelsmann reportedly discovered he had leaked chats with players.
Nagelsmann was fired as Bayern Munich coach in March, but was appointed Germany coach for the European Championship last month.
He oversaw his first win as Germany manager on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over the United States.
Germany draw 2-2 against Mexico on Tuesday as preparations for the European Championship continue.