Bayern bets on Neuer for latest update in Liverpool



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Neuer, 32, missed Bayern's last three games after a thumb injury, but is expected to prove his health in Augsburg ahead of Tuesday's final first-leg match against Jurgen Klopp in Anfield on Tuesday.

"Manuel has not had a negative reaction, so it's an option for Friday," Bayern head coach Niko Kovac said Wednesday.

Neuer is confident that he will face Liverpool by telling ESPN: "I think I'll be between the two positions, I'm fine, it's not that bad."

However, Kovac is afraid of repelling him too soon, especially given Neuer's story after he broke his foot twice in a row in 2017, which saw him miss most of last season.

"Manuel is an ambitious goalkeeper," said Kovac, winner of the 2014 World Cup.

"It was his decision alone not to play certain games – the player always has the last word and in this case, Manuel is ready."

Kovac has almost a complete team to choose from in Augsburg. Only Arjen Robben and Corentin Tolisso are still separated by an injury.

Bayern's 3-1 home victory against Schalke last week reduced Bundesliga leader Borussia Dortmund's five-point lead to a three-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim.

Kovac and Bayern aim for a ninth win in ten matches in Augsburg to keep up the pressure on Dortmund, who will face Nuremberg on Monday.

No break in Augsburg

Augsburg, who recruited ex-Arsenal and German goaltender Jens Lehmann as badistant coach, were beaten 4-0 by Werder Bremen this weekend to leave them just over relegation places.

"The title of the league will be won in defense, I hope we win the game on Friday and, if possible, prevent them from scoring," Kovac said.

"We have no reason to spare anyone in Augsburg.

"We have enough time to recover and we do not want to underestimate the match because it's a chance to really get into the Bundesliga.

"This game is important to create a bit of atmosphere," added Kovac.

Liverpool will welcome Bayern after 10 days of rest since his last match, the 3-0 home win against Bournemouth on Saturday, but Kovac believes his opponent's break could be an advantage for the Germans.

"We are playing against Liverpool who was in the finals last year and spent a little more money than we have," said Kovac, referring to Alisson's high-level signatures, as well as midfielders Naby Keita and Fabinho.

"These are the two best teams – little things and a bit of luck, who will decide the game.

"It's not a bad thing if Liverpool has a few days off, that will mean they'll lose their pace."

Devices (all 1430 devices unless otherwise indicated)

Friday

Augsburg v Bayern Munich (1930)

Saturday

Schalke v Freiburg, Hoffenheim v Hannover 96, Stuttgart v RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg v Mainz, Hertha Berlin v Werder Bremen (1730)

Sunday

Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Bayer Leverkusen Fortuna Dusseldorf (1700)

On Monday

Nuremberg v Borussia Dortmund (1930)

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