Bayern coach Ancelotti says goalie Neuer will return for Madrid clash

Munich, March 31: Bayern Munich chief coach Carlo Ancelotti on Friday said that ace goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will return to play no later than the first leg of the Champions League's quarter-finals against Real Madrid on April 12.

Ancelotti told a news conference that Neuer had a small problem in his toe during training on Wednesday, reports Efe.

Bayern's medical department decided that an operation would be the best option for a speedy recovery, said the coach, adding that Neuer will return to the field no later than the Real Madrid clash.

Neuer will be definitely out for Saturday's game against Augsburg in the Bundesliga, and also for Tuesday's match against Hoffenheim.

However, he may be on the field again within a week for the match against Borussia Dortmund.

Ancelotti also confirmed that Jerome Boateng will return to the starting XI and Sven Ulreich will take Neuer's place for the Bundesliga game against Augusburg. "We have the utmost belief in him," Ancelotti said of Boateng.