Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has revealed that he underwent three rounds of surgery as he battled skin cancer.
The German legend, 36, is currently facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup due to a separate issue. Neuer took to Instagram on Wednesday to share that he's been suffering from skin cancer, having recently invested in a sun cream with German tennis player Angelique Kerber.
The Bayern stopper explained: "I had to have three operations and have had skin cancer. Since we are constantly training and playing outside and also like to spend our free time in nature, it is essential for us to start with modern sun protection filters and with sun protection factor 50+. So we know for sure that we have a sunscreen that protects us continuously and with which hardly anything can burn."
Neuer is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, having won the World Cup with Germany in 2014. For Bayern, the 6ft 4in powerhouse has lifted the Bundesliga every season for the past 10 years, while also getting his hands on the Champions League twice. With 113 caps for Germany to his name, this year's World Cup in Qatar could be his last outing at the famous tournament.
Bild report that speculation about a possible illness began in December 2021, as the 36-year-old was spotted walking around with a plaster on his face ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Barcelona. Neuer still has the facial scar today after going under the knife on three separate occasions.
The veteran returned to training this week in a bid to make Germany's final 26-man squad for the World Cup, which must be submitted by Sunday, November 13. Bayern manager Julian Naglesmann has given little away regarding Neuer's fitness since he was ruled absent earlier last month, having played his ninth Bundesliga game of the season away to Borussia Dortmund on October 8.
However, Nagelsmann has hinted that his No.1 could be in contention for their trip to Hertha Berlin on Saturday. "We hope he'll be available again for the weekend," the German tactician explained ahead of Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League. "He came through training well and didn't show any reaction. But we'll have to wait and see."
They're more positive words compared to his comments last week, as Nagelsmann admitted when asked if Neuer would be on the plane to Qatar: "I don't know because I'm not a clairvoyant. I'm not assuming he won't be able to play at the World Cup. I'm firmly assuming he will - but I'm not a clairvoyant. If he still has persistent pain in five weeks, then he won't play in it."
