Vincent Kompany addresses Bayern's goalkeeping options ahead of Atalanta clash
| Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) |
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has provided an update on his goalkeeping situation ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Atalanta at the Allianz Arena.
First-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is progressing in his recovery from a muscle fiber tear, but Bayern will hold off on his return.
Second-choice Jonas Urbig, who suffered a concussion in Bayern’s 6-1 first-leg win against the Italians and missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to return, Kompany revealed on Tuesday afternoon.
“I wasn't surprised that Manuel Neuer was back [in training] but pleased: that he's there again, that Jonas Urbig is training again. But the decision will be a purely medical one. If everything goes as expected, Urbig will start in goal. And if not, we'll find another solution,” Kompany said at a press conference.
With third-choice Sven Ulreich and fourth-choice Leon Klanac also sidelined, Kompany confirmed that 16-year-old Leonard Prescott will make his debut if Urbig isn’t deemed fit enough to start.
“He's quite calm,” Kompany said of Prescott.
"But I have to say, when I look at a young player like him, it's the opposite end of the scale to Sven Ulreich. But we're a very calm staff overall. If he must play, he'll have our full support and backing.
"We have a lot of good players who will then help him. There'll never be a young player here who's given a leading role. Regardless of what happens, we have full faith."
