Ghana’s opponents at the 2014 World Cup Germany are facing playing the tournament without their first choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer because of a shoulder injury.
But Roman Weidenfeller is ready to step in for the Europeans if the Bayern Munich shot-stopper fails to recover in time for next month’s competition in Brazil.
Neuer’s fitness for the World Cup is a huge doubt as he is not started training since arriving in the German team’s training camp in a sling last week which has prompted the search for the replacement.
Weidenfeller, who only received his first cap last November, is now primed to be promoted to a position he never would have thought possible a year ago.
“I’m pretty certain Manuel will be back in time, but if anything were to happen, then I would be ready,†the Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper told sport1.de.
“It’s sensational for me to be involved. I think it rounds off my career perfectly, particularly to go to a football-crazy country like Brazil.â€
Weidenfeller has already spoken with his rival for the number one jersey, and feels he is confident of a return in time for Germany’s first group game against Portugal on 16 June.
“I had a shoulder injury of my own in the past so we had a bit of a chat about it,†Weidenfeller said.
“As a goalkeeper, you need your shoulder in every single movement you make, which is why it’s such a bad situation to have that kind of an injury.
“It’s incredibly important that the muscles in his shoulder are built up, but you can do anything nowadays. I think he’s going to be fit again in time for the World Cup.â€
