Neuer ended a 331-day-long absence, and now nothing can spoil it for him... Except for maybe rain

Manuel Neuer has been living a strange life in the past 12 months, being sidelined most of the time for a bizarre skiing accident during his winter holiday. However, the last Bundesliga tie against Darmstadt, which ended in Bayern Munich's favour 8-0, saw Neuer returning from a 331-day-long absence in some style.

Now, on Wednesday night, he has a chance to clinch another clean sheet, this time against an even more modest side, FC Saarbrucken. The third-tier side are expected to host the Bavarians in the second round of the German DFB-Pokal Cup.

Still, it's uncertain the match will take place due to heavy rains in this part of Germany in the last few days. A pitch inspection is scheduled for today...

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Neuer will surely start the game in order to gain further match fitness if the kick-off is not postponed.

"The plans have been in place for a long time. Travel is on matchday. If it is postponed, it might be that we don't fly at all. There should be a pitch inspection today and tomorrow. We expect it to be played," said Tuchel.

"The decision isn't in our hands. For me, it's more about the travelling, which would be more tiring than the game itself. I hope there are normal conditions tomorrow if it does go ahead."

Neuer is back after 331 days

Unlike Neuer, other first-team regulars may be rested for this fixture, as Tuchel will have one eye on Der Klassiker derby against his former side, Borussia Dortmund, on Saturday.

Some changes may be forced, though, as further injuries and illnesses have hit the squad recently.

"Noussair Mazraoui is feeling poorly, and Jamal Musiala was ill yesterday. We also need to check over Kingsley Coman, who twisted his ankle in the last match. These are the things we're considering. It's a very important match. If we want to get to Berlin, we have to perform tomorrow, so it's a final," said Tuchel.

DFB POKAL - GERMAN CUP - 1/16 FINALS

Wednesday

20:00: (16.0) Sandhausen (10.0) Leverkusen (1.12)

20:00: (1.58) Dortmund (4.10) Hoffenheim (5.70)

20:00: (2.25) Holstein Kiel (3.50) Magdeburg (3.05)

20:00: (1.53) Freiburg (4.20) Paderborn (6.25)

22:45: (1.95) Nurnberg (3.50) Hansa (3.90)

22:45: (2.80) Hertha (3.40) Mainz (2.50)

22:45: (8.00) Victoria Koln (4.70) Eintr.Frankfurt (1.40)

22:45: (90.0) Saarbrucken (16.0) Bayern (1.02)

***odds are subject to change***