Bayern Munich may be compelled to give a first-team debut to 16-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Prescott in Wednesday’s Champions League clash due to a growing list of injuries in the squad.
Bayern Munich may be compelled to give a first-team debut to 16-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Prescott in Wednesday’s Champions League clash due to a growing list of injuries in the squad.
Head coach Vincent Kompany explained that the situation hinges on the fitness of Jonas Urbig, who is still recovering after suffering a concussion. If the 22-year-old fails to pass medical checks, Prescott could be called upon for the second leg of the last-16 encounter against Atalanta.
Urbig picked up the injury during Bayern’s emphatic 6-1 win in Italy last week. Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer continues his recovery from a muscle tear, and experienced backup Sven Ulreich is also sidelined with an adductor problem sustained in a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
Kompany confirmed that Urbig resumed training on Tuesday but emphasized that a final call would depend entirely on medical assessment before the match.
“If everything goes well, he will start in goal,” Kompany stated. “If not, we will need an alternative solution,” leaving the door open for Prescott’s unexpected involvement.
The teenage goalkeeper, who represents Germany at youth level and plays for Bayern’s under-19 side, has already been included on the bench in recent fixtures. However, due to his age, he would need special authorization from German labour authorities to feature in an evening match.
Other young goalkeepers are also unavailable. Nineteen-year-old Leon Klanac is out with a thigh injury, while reserve option Janis Bartl, also 19, has only made appearances on the bench in Bundesliga matches this season.
Despite the pressure of a Champions League knockout match, Kompany expressed confidence in Prescott’s mentality and readiness if called upon.
“He is very composed, and as staff we remain relaxed,” Kompany said. “If he plays, he will have full support from everyone around him.”
The coach stressed that no young player would be placed under undue pressure, adding that the team trusts Prescott regardless of the final decision.
Neuer, a World Cup winner and long-time Bayern figure, has featured 19 times in the league this season, with his most recent outing coming on 6 March. Urbig has made eight league appearances, including six starts, while Ulreich only made his first appearance of the campaign at the weekend.
Bayern, who currently sit at the top of the Bundesliga standings, will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals if they progress past Atalanta.
