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Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer revealed he suffered from skin cancer on his face, which required three surgeries.
However, it is understood by reports in Germany that the shot-stopper will not miss the World Cup due to the cancer, although he is still fighting for his fitness after suffering a shoulder injury last month.
Neuer announced on Instagram on Wednesday that he is suffering from skin cancer after investing in a sunscreen together with tennis star Angelique Kerber.
He said in the video, “We both have a history of skin diseases. In my case, skin cancer on my face, which required three surgeries.
‘When it comes to sunscreen, we have therefore paid attention to maximum protection.
‘Since we always train outside and also like to spend our free time in nature, it is essential for us to start with modern sun protection filters and a sun protection factor of 50+.
‘In this way we know for sure that we have a sunscreen that protects us continuously and with which almost nothing can burn.’
Manuel Neuer revealed he had skin cancer on his face and had to undergo three surgeries
Neuer has now invested in a sunscreen with German tennis star Angelique Kerber (L)
As reported by pictureSpeculation about a possible illness started in December 2021, when the 36-year-old walked around with a noticeable bandage on his face ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League game against Barcelona.
Neuer, who went under the knife three times in an attempt to treat the cancer, still has the scar on his face today.
The German started the first nine league games of the season with Bayern Munich before suffering a shoulder problem that has left him out of action since early October.
Neuer said footballers needed more sun protection when training and playing outside
Neuer pictured with a scar on his face during the 2021 Bayern Munich vs Dortmund game
Kerber, 34, is a three-time Grand Slam winner and former Wimbledon champion
Neuer is fighting to rebuild his fitness ahead of this month’s World Cup, although it is believed that skin cancer will not affect his availability to Germany for Hansi Flick’s roster.
Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam winner, also suffers from skin conditions as she suffers from sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
The lifelong condition, which is easily treated, is caused by sun exposure and leads to spots or blotches that appear brown, black, gray, red, or pink on the skin.
Melanoma and non-melanoma are the two main types of skin cancer, the latter of which is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, approximately 22,411 people in Germany have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma of the skin – roughly equally divided between men and women.
About 4,000 people died of skin cancer in the country in 2020, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office.
Neuer hopes to be fit in time to play for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar this winter
Neuer won his 10th Bundesliga trophy in as many years with Bayern this summer, having also won two Champions League trophies during his 11-year stint with the club.
The Bayern goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, could be geared up for his last major international tournament in Qatar, having captained 113 for Germany since his senior debut in 2009.
The goalkeeper returned to Bayern Munich training this week in a bid to return for Flick’s final 26-man roster for Qatar, due to be submitted on November 13.
Germany is still blessed with options between the sticks without Neuer, with players like Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen and in-form Eintracht Frankfurt shot-stopper Kevin Trapp, but his presence in the dressing room could be a huge miss for the 2014 World Cup champions.
Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann hinted that Neuer could be back ahead of the Bundesliga giants’ trip to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
“We hope he will be available again this weekend,” he explained ahead of his side’s confident 2-0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“He came through the training well and showed no reaction. But we’ll have to wait and see.’
Kerber, one of the stars of the women’s game, is a three-time Grand Slam winner and former Wimbledon champion.
The German star won the Australian Open and US Open in 2016 before taking the Wimbledon title two years later.
Neuer announced in August that she was taking a break from the game because she was pregnant and missed the US Open as a result.
She said on Twitter: “I really wanted to play the US Open, but in the end I decided that two against one is just not a fair competition.
“For the next few months I will be taking a break from traveling the world as a tennis player, but again I believe it’s for the best possible reason! I will miss you all.
New York has often been a turning point in my career and somehow I feel like this year will be no different, from restarting my career in 2011 to winning the title in 2016 and becoming number one in the become world.
“The US Open holds a special place in my heart and I wish I could have said goodbye to all of you on the track before I wasn’t on tour for a while.
“Being a professional athlete means everything to me, but I’m grateful for the new path I’m going to take.
“Honestly, I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Thank you for your continued support – it means everything to me.”