Germany defender Niklas Sule has lauded Manuel Neuer as the ‘world’s best goalkeeper’, who continues his return from injury.

Neuer, 32, missed almost the entire season after breaking his foot in Bayern Munich training last year.

But the shot-stopper is making a timely return for Germany, who included Neuer in their preliminary squad for their World Cup defence.

Sule was impressed by what he saw from Neuer in training ahead of the goalkeeper’s return against Austria in a friendly on Saturday.

‘At first, I couldn’t believe it, when Manu did his first training after four months out and sensationally saved one ball after the other. It was as if he had never left,’ he said on Wednesday.

‘I hadn’t witnessed something like that before. His body language is simply incredible.

‘He is the best keeper in the world, and for me, it is great to play with him at Bayern and cause him problems by shooting my swirling shots on goal.’

Neuer is Germany’s undisputed number one if fit, which would leave Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the bench.

While not guaranteeing Neuer’s spot, Germany assistant coach Thomas Schneider said the shot-stopper would start if ready.

‘The coaches Jogi [Joachim Low, head coach] and Andi [Kopke, goalkeeping coach] talked to Marc-Andre, who had a very good season and is an important part of the team since the Confederations Cup last year and who got even better this year,’ he said.

‘But Manu is a complete goalkeeper. His name, the way he moves, his presence on the pitch and his technical skills. He has been named the world’s best goalkeeper for a reason.

‘Of course, it is no easy situation for Marc now, but when you have such an unbelievably good goalkeeper in your team like Manuel, you want him to play.’