Neuer in no doubt over World Cup fitness

Germany captain Manuel Neuer is adamant he will have recovered from injury in time for the World Cup in June.

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper underwent surgery in September after fracturing a metatarsal in his left foot for the second time this year.

"In my opinion, nothing stands in the way of my World Cup participation," Neuer told the DFB's official website.

"It would be nice if I can say goodbye to my two 'friends' [crutches] for Christmas, that would be the best present.

"[But] another injury to the bones would be sub-optimal, so you have to be very careful there. You should not make mistakes anymore."

Neuer has captained Germany since September 2016 and was first-choice in both 2010 and 2014.