Manuel Neuer set for Leverkusen clash as Bayern look to extend lead

Munich-based publication AZ reported that the 38-year-old was set to recover from a recent thigh injury to start at the Allianz Arena.

Neuer's injury forced him off at half-time during Bayern's 9-2 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb last week.

He missed the subsequent 5-0 win over Werder Bremen, with Sven Ulreich stepping in as goalkeeper.

Bayern enter Saturday's game leading the Bundesliga by three points over Leverkusen, currently sitting in second place.

In other injury news, Bayern's summer signing Hiroki Ito has been progressing in his recovery from a metatarsal fracture sustained during pre-season.

The Japanese defender, who joined from Stuttgart for 23.5 million euros, aims to resume training by the end of the month but still needs time before being match-ready.

Meanwhile, Bayern have initiated contract extension talks with Jamal Musiala. 

Reports from AZ and Sport Bild suggest that negotiations have started positively, with both parties aligned on future goals.

"He is to be the face of FC Bayern in the future," Bayern's board member for sport, Max Eberl, stated. Musiala, who currently earns 9 million euros annually, may expect a significant pay rise.

This season, he has already contributed three goals and three assists in six games. 

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