Bayern Munich and Germany No.1 Manuel Neuer is on track to play competitively before the end of the 2017/18 season. - © © imago / kolbert-press
Bayern Munich and Germany No.1 Manuel Neuer is on track to play competitively before the end of the 2017/18 season. - © © imago / kolbert-press

"I have a clear plan with Manuel Neuer" - Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes

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Bayern Munich head coach Jupp Heynckes has intimated that returning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will play again before the end of season, but remains tight-lipped on when.

Neuer, who has been out of action since suffering a second metatarsal fracture in six months in the 4-0 win over Mainz on 16 September 2017, resumed first-team training on Friday.

"We're all hugely delighted with how it's gone," Heynckes told media, after Neuer took part in the warm-up, as well as some ball drills.

"We've done everything right so far and the way he's worked is fantastic, but it's far too early to talk about [whether he'll play in the DFB Cup final or the UEFA Champions League final]. I know what I'm doing. I have a clear plan."

Watch: Manuel Neuer's top 5 Bundesliga saves

With the Bundesliga sewn up and only four league fixtures of the 2017/18 campaign remaining, Bayern's primary focus is on beating holders Real Madrid over two legs in their upcoming Champions League semi-final tie.

Should the five-time European champions succeed, they will advance to the final in Kiev, which takes place a week after the DFB Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt, on 26 May.

It goes without saying that Neuer's return would be a real boon for club and country, especially with Germany's FIFA World Cup defence on the horizon.

At the same time, Heynckes has complete faith in second-choice keeper Sven Ulreich.

- © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA