Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has claimed that the goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is excited to make his return to the football field after ten months.
The 37-year-old has been out of action since breaking his leg in a skiing accident in Germany last December but after spending months in rehabilitation, Neuer is set to mark his return.
On his skiing accident, Neuer had said he was attempting to 'clear his head' following Germany's group stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar, which saw his last match on December 1.
Even though the goalkeeper returned to training in August but his comeback was delayed as he was left out of Bayern's squad to face SC Preussen Munster in the German DFB Cup match.
However, Tuchel has now confirmed that Neuer will not just return to the squad but will also make it to the playing XI in Bayern's home game against Darmstadt on Saturday.
"He's excited, we're excited. There's probably a lot of other people excited about it too," Tuchel told a pre-match press conference.
"It's a special situation, I can feel his excitement and his class.
"He's enjoying things right now and he can he proud of himself. He should enjoy it, and that will make him strong. His comeback is very impressive, I notice the difference in his condition.
"I'm almost proud of the fact he's come back, I'm very confident he'll quickly reach his top form. I see a whole new level in goalkeeper training, he's in his own league," he added.
The 37-year-old also talked to his club's website and said that he cannot wait to be back on the pitch with his teammates.
"I’m most excited about being back on the pitch with my team-mates," Neuer told Bayern's club website.
"There were a few setbacks along the way, but those can be expected with such a big and lengthy injury.
"But as a patient or a sportsperson you don’t want to accept that and try to be even strong than nature, but that’s simply a part of such a big injury and you just had to remain patient and keep working hard.
"I’m obviously looking forward to playing in front of our fans again and hopefully celebrating a win."