Neuer is back in training but has not played for club or country since undergoing surgery on a broken foot last September, leaving national boss Joachim Low facing a tricky decision over whether to pick the experienced goalkeeper.
Outgoing Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes said on Friday he was “very optimistic” over the 32-year-old’s chances of participating in Germany’s pre-tournament training camp.
Yet former international Kahn believes the player himself must consider carefully whether it is wise to be part of the squad after such a lengthy spell out of action.
“When he still does not play that’s a clear sign he is not a 100 per cent fit yet,” Kahn - who captained Germany in the 2002 World Cup final defeat to Brazil - said in an interview with Bild am Sonntag.
“Otherwise, he surely would have been given the chance to play from Jupp Heynckes.
“It’s a hard decision for the responsible persons. And Manuel has to ask himself if he still does himself a favour with all this.”
Neuer could yet still feature for his club this season, as Bundesliga champions Bayern facing Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal final next Saturday.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has deputised in Neuer’s absence for the national team, including their successful Confederations Cup campaign in Russia last year.
Kahn believes the Barcelona keeper is a reliable option for the World Cup too, if Neuer is not considered for selection.
“He is a very good keeper. You can trust him. We should not worry about him,” he added.
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