Overview
- Sport Bild reports that sporting director Rudi Völler asked Manuel Neuer about a potential emergency comeback if Marc-André ter Stegen does not return as a starter.
- Neuer has said his national-team decision is final, yet his agent Thomas Kroth indicated he would not refuse a call in a pinch.
- Julian Nagelsmann reiterates ter Stegen remains the preferred No. 1 provided he regains sufficient match practice, while publicly deflecting queries to goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg, who has not commented.
- Ter Stegen is back in training after another back operation but lacks minutes at Barcelona, and Nagelsmann says a top-club move is not required even as a winter switch is acknowledged as risky.
- Oliver Baumann continues to cover the position effectively during ter Stegen’s absence as the goalkeeper choice remains unresolved heading into 2026.