Tuchel reveals Neuer is 'excited' to make his Bayern return after 10 months out

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has claimed Manuel Neuer should be 'proud of himself' as the goalkeeper prepares to make his return from injury after 10 months out with a broken leg.

The 37-year-old has been out of action since breaking his leg in a skiing accident in the Bavarian Alps last December.

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.

He returned to training in August but his comeback was pushed back last month after being left out of Bayern's squad for a German DFB Cup tie against SC Preussen Munster.

Tuchel has confirmed that Neuer will return to the starting line-up in Bayern's Bundesliga game at home to 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.'

Neuer will replace Sven Ulreich in goal and praised the 35-year-old for being a 'safe pair of hands' for Bayern Munich this season.

The 37-year-old has admitted he was 'excited' for his return having overcome setbacks in his recovery.

'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