World Cup boost for Germany as Neuer returns to training after injury

Defending FIFA World Cup champions Germany stretched their legs Thursday in a training exercise in the north of Italy, with just over three weeks until they embark on a campaign to defend their title when Russia hosts the competition next month.

Germany is set to open Group F with a clash against Mexico on June 17, at the Luzhinki stadium in the Russian capital Moscow, reports Efe.

German football fans would be relieved to see world-class goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at the training ground in Eppan, in Italy's South Tyrol region, as Bayern Munich's pair of safe hands has only just recovered from what was his second metatarsal break in six months.

Joachim Loew, the squad's head coach spoke with the press after the session.

One of the favourites to win in Russia, Germany must navigate a reasonably difficult group that includes as well as Mexico, South Korea and Sweden.