Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss his country’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Hungary and England after the Bayern Munich star tested positive for Covid-19.
Neuer’s Bayern teammate Leon Goretzka has also returned a positive test and will miss out as well, with the duo now isolating away from the rest of the squad.
Uncapped Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has been added the squad to replace Neuer, although either Marc-Andre ter Stegen or Kevin Trapp are more likely to deputise against Hungary on Friday and then England a few days later.
England have their own injury problems ahead of their Nations League double-header, with Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips forced to withdraw. He could require shoulder surgery, which would make him a serious doubt for the World Cup in Qatar.
However, that blow has been lessoned by Jordan Henderson’s unexpected recovery from the hamstring injury he sustained earlier this month.
The Liverpool captain was initially thought to be facing a lengthy absence, but he has recovered in time to be added to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the matches against Italy and Germany.
England are currently bottom of their Nations League group and in urgent need of positive results to avoid being relegated from League A.
Add Comment