Vincent Kompany on Bayern’s Goalkeeper Situation: Urbig Likely Ready for Champions League Return Leg Against Atalanta

The final decision regarding FC Bayern Munich’s starting goalkeeper for the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Atalanta Bergamo will only be made shortly before kick-off. However, coach Vincent Kompany is optimistic that Jonas Urbig will be between the posts.

«I’m relieved that Jonas can train normally again,» the Belgian coach stated at Tuesday’s press conference. «However, the final decision will be purely medical. If everything goes well tomorrow morning and proceeds as it currently is, then Urbig will be in goal. If not, we’ll have to find another solution.»

When asked if the 16-year-old Leonard Prescott, normally the U19’s starting goalkeeper, could be this «other solution,» Kompany confirmed: «Yes. He is very calm. If he has to play tomorrow, he will receive our full backing and support. We have many good players in the team who would help him in such a match. There will never be a young player in this team who has to take on the main role. In this constellation, no matter what happens, we have full confidence.»

Following the recent injury to Sven Ulreich, the designated third-choice goalkeeper, during the Bundesliga away match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen last Saturday, uncertainty had grown around Bayern regarding their precarious goalkeeping situation.

Urbig Likely to Return to Bayern’s Goal Against Atalanta

First-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been sidelined for some time due to another muscle tear in his left calf. Furthermore, Urbig sustained a concussion in a head collision during the first leg against Atalanta last week.

However, the concussion was apparently not severe, leading to hopes that the 22-year-old might be able to feature against the Italians on Wednesday evening. Various media outlets had already reported on Monday that Urbig’s chances of playing looked good.

Jamal Musiala, however, will not be available. The national team player was substituted early in the first leg due to ankle problems. In addition to the suspended Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise, the injured Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and of course Manuel Neuer will also be absent.

FC Bayern Munich: Upcoming Fixtures