Bayern Munich find themselves in a situation that actually rarely ever happens in football, following the aftermath of their Bundesliga game at the weekend.
The German giants are facing a deepening goalkeeping crisis after third-choice keeper Sven Ulreich started the 1–1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen due to injuries to Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig, only to later suffer a torn muscle fiber in his right adductor.
FC Bayern Munich hold a commanding aggregate advantage over Atalanta BC ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash, easing concerns over their goalkeeping situation as Jonas Urbig could return if he recovers from the effects of a concussion.
In the Bundesliga, though, it was a different story as they only managed to salvage a draw against Bayer Leverkusen, ending the game with nine men to make matters worse. However, the injury made for a weird narrative.
Speaking after the game, Ulreich said, “I felt something in my thigh. That’s why I didn’t take the last goal kick, who, despite the injury, was glad to be back in goal. “I was in good shape in the end, and it was fun.”
The goalkeeper further added that one of his teammates could return as early as next week, but nothing is confirmed yet. He added: “We’ll have to see. I think Jonas [Urbig] is on the right track; maybe he can play again on Wednesday against Atalanta. We’ll just have to wait and see over the next few days.”
On how it will affect the league leaders ahead of their next few games, he said: “We’ll have to see. I think Jonas [Urbig] is on the right track; maybe he can play again on Wednesday against Atalanta. We’ll just have to wait and see over the next few days.”
Manuel Neuer is not expected to return until after the international break, while FC Bayern Munich remain hopeful that Jonas Urbig will recover from his concussion in time for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash against Atalanta BC on Wednesday.
With fourth-choice goalkeeper Leon Klanac sidelined by a thigh injury, 16-year-old Leonard Prescott could be handed a sensational opportunity if Jonas Urbig fails to recover in time for FC Bayern Munich’s clash with Atalanta BC.
Sixteen-year-old German-American goalkeeper Leonard Prescott was included in Vincent Kompany’s squad and named on the bench for FC Bayern Munich at the BayArena on Saturday, and although he was not initially registered for the UEFA Champions League this autumn, he is eligible for the knockout phase and was also part of the squad for last week’s match.
The New York City native Leonard Prescott joined the FC Bayern Munich campus from the Union Berlin academy in 2023, has earned seven caps for Germany at the U17 level and below, and currently plays for the Bayern U19s in the German youth league.