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Manuel Neuer made his first start in 10 months in Bayern Munich’s 8-0 win over Darmstadt after recovering from a horrific leg injury.
The Bayern stopper suffered a broken leg while skiing during ‘extra vacation’ time allocated after his nation’s World Cup elimination last December.
Neuer had said he was attempting to ‘clear his head’ following Germany’s group stage exit.
The World Cup winner couldn’t have asked for a much more accommodating fixture as he gets himself back up to full match fitness as the Bundesliga champions routed their newly-promoted visitors.
The 37-year-old led out the German champions against the Bundesliga newbies Darmstadt
Manuel Neuer shared an image on social media after undergoing surgery on the injury
Neuer made four saves at the Allianz Arena but kept his clean sheet intact on a perfect return
Harry Kane continued his goal scoring exploits with a hat-trick, while Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala each helped themselves to a couple of goals at the Allianz Arena. Veteran Thomas Muller also got on the scoresheet for the Bavarian giants.
Neuer was forced into making four saves on his return to the first team but he was more than equal to the efforts as he kept his clean sheet intact.
Pre-match, Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel revealed the club’s skipper was finally in line to make his return and hailed his efforts in recovering from the major setback.
Neuer told the club’s website that above all else he was ‘excited’ to be back playing with his team-mates after such a long time away.
‘There were a few setbacks along the way, but those can be expected with such a big and lengthy injury.’ He said.
‘But as a patient or a sportsperson you don’t want to accept that and try to be even strong than nature, but that’s simply a part of such a big injury and you just had to remain patient and keep working hard.
‘I’m obviously looking forward to playing in front of our fans again and hopefully celebrating a win.’
The massive victory took Bayern to the Bundesliga summit, one point clear of high-flyers Bayer Leverkusen who play Freiburg on Sunday.
