Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has stopped short of ruling out a World Cup comeback for Manuel Neuer, saying he wants to speak to all players first before the 26-man squad is announced next week.
Nagelsmann avoided making a definitive statement on speculation that a Neuer comeback is in the offing during an appearance on the ZDF programme Sportstudio. The former Bayern coach said several times that he wanted to speak with all players first, adding that "that hasn't happened yet."
Nagelsmann plans to announce his World Cup squad on May 21.
Earlier on Saturday, broadcaster Sky Germany reported that Neuer would return to the national team fold if fit, having given his go-ahead in recent days.
"No one has received any information from me, not even the players," Nagelsmann said, adding that Sky had "blurted out" the news.
Neuer on possible comeback: 'Not an issue for today'
Shortly before Nagelsmann's comments, Neuer himself had also stopped short of ruling out a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup in North America in July.
"For me, that's not an issue for today," Neuer told Sky when asked about the World Cup following the final Bundesliga match of the season for the German champions, a 5-1 win over Cologne.
"I'm totally relaxed about things. The thing is, we're celebrating the championship today. Next week I have a very important match with the German Cup final," Neuer added.
Oliver Baumann had said after Hoffenheim's final league match of the season that he expected to travel to the World Cup as Germany's number one goalkeeper.
"That was my understanding, or rather, is my understanding. I'm going into it with great confidence," the 35-year-old told broadcaster ARD. "I have no other information."
Speaking to Sky, Baumann said of his conversations with Nagelsmann: "He expressed his confidence in me. Period."
Neuer substituted injured in final Bundesliga match
Neuer on Saturday was substituted after an hour and back-up Jonas Urbig came on. The veteran said this was done because of the German Cup final next Saturday against VfB Stuttgart in Berlin.
"I felt something in my calf, so I didn't want to take any risks, also because of next week," Neuer said.
On Friday, Neuer extended his contract at Bayern by a year until the June 2027 having mulled complete retirement.
The 40-year-old, who won the World Cup in 2014, retired from internationals after Euro 2024. With 124 caps, he holds the record for appearances for a Germany goalkeeper.
Neuer cryptic: 'You don't need to know that'
Neuer closed his remarks on the question of whether a World Cup appearance was out of the question with the words: "You don't need to know that."
He said there had been no contact with Nagelsmann in recent days. "We are in touch all year, like with other former coaches and officials too. There has been nothing special of late," Neuer said.
Sky pundit Lothar Matthäus interpreted the remarks as meaning the chances are higher that Neuer will be at the World Cup.
"For me, it is now more likely yes than no," Matthäus said. "In my view Manuel Neuer is the best German goalkeeper and the best should play."
