Jonas Urbig made the most of the international break. The young FC Bayern goalkeeper started both Nations League matches against Serbia and Greece and kept a clean sheet in each game. Now, the 23-year-old could be back in action for Germany’s record-holding champions soon.
As reported by *kicker*, Urbig is an option for the upcoming Champions League match against Viking Stavanger. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany could use the game in Norway to give his young goalkeeper more valuable playing time.
For now, however, Manuel Neuer is expected to be back between the posts. The 40-year-old is firmly in the plans for Saturday’s Bundesliga away game against FC Augsburg.
Kompany could give Urbig a chance in the Champions League
The fact that Urbig is even being considered for a Champions League appearance is likely linked to his recent performances with the DFB. Under national team coach Jürgen Klopp, the Bayern pro made his competitive debut for the German senior national team.
In the 2-0 win over Serbia, Urbig was largely untroubled but handled his duties with confidence. He was called upon much more in the subsequent 0-0 draw against Greece, where he prevented an early deficit with a strong save in the opening minutes.
These two appearances are likely to have given the young goalkeeper an extra boost of confidence. For Bayern, this is a welcome development—after all, Urbig is expected to eventually succeed Neuer.
However, this does not change the current pecking order. Kompany recently emphasized explicitly that Neuer remains the clear No. 1 at FC Bayern.
Eight games in just under four weeks: Bayern faces a grueling schedule
The fact that Urbig can still hope for more playing time is also due to the tightly packed schedule. The Munich team will play a total of eight competitive matches in the coming just under four weeks.
This gives Kompany the opportunity to rotate players in various positions and give key players some extra rest. The goalkeeper position could also be affected.
It would therefore make perfect sense for Urbig to play against Viking Stavanger. The 23-year-old could carry over his rhythm from the national team, while Neuer would get a break.
In the long term, Bayern already has a clear plan for Urbig. Should Neuer retire next summer as expected, the young national team goalkeeper is set to become the new number one.
Until then, Urbig’s goal is to gain as much experience as possible at the highest level. His recent appearances for the DFB have shown that he is up to the task. It remains to be seen whether Kompany will place his trust in him in the Champions League as well.