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Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's return to the pitch is edging ever closer, as he revealed his rehabilitation programme is going according to plan. Due to a hairline fracture in his left foot, the goalkeeper has not played since Sept. 16 and has only been on the pitch seven times since March 20, 2017. But he claimed it was "realistic" that he could play for Bayern before the end of the season, ahead of this summer's World Cup, as he is pushing himself to his limit by working for six hours a day. "I think I'll be able to run out on the training ground next week," Neuer revealed in an interview with FC Bayern.tv. "At least I will finally be outdoors. It would be very important because it would mean I will go to the World Cup having already played some games in the Bundesliga, so I will be in better shape. "However, it's very difficult to name a time. I have to complete the rehabilitation in the best possible way. Obviously you get impatient. Athletes are very ambitious and it hurts when you're an onlooker for along time." Explaining the "highs and lows of such a long rehab phase," he added: "You have to look for small victories. We've always set ourselves training goals and achieved them. I'm very grateful to my doctors, physios and fitness coaches for accompanying me so well." However, Neuer warned that caution, especially now when the return to the pitch is approaching, is of the utmost importance. "Now it is very important that nothing happens to my foot, he said. "Because otherwise my career may be at risk. We need maximum attention "
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