Following Manuel Neuer’s injury, FC Bayern is reshuffling its goalkeeping lineup. This has led to a surprising decision.
Manuel Neuer’s injury is reshuffling the roles within FC Bayern’s goalkeeping rotation. Jonas Urbig is taking over between the posts, with Sven Ulreich stepping in as the backup. However, the Munich club does not intend to permanently assign the resulting open spot as the third-string goalkeeper to a specific youth goalkeeper.
According to information from Sport BILD, no third goalkeeper is set to be permanently promoted to the first team. Instead, club officials will continue to rely on rotating support from the U23 and U19 teams. Who participates in training or is included in the matchday roster will be decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the situation.
Bayern is thus refraining from assigning a permanent role on the first-team roster to any young talent for the coming weeks. The current model of rotating young goalkeepers will remain in place even during Neuer’s extended absence due to injury.
Bayern is relying on a flexible solution behind Urbig and Ulreich
One example of this is Jannis Bärtl. The 20-year-old from the reserve team was on the bench during the 3-1 win in Freiburg at the end of October. However, according to the latest report, a permanent promotion is not planned for him either.
At the top of the temporary pecking order, however, there is no doubt: Urbig is expected to fill in for Neuer, while Ulreich stands by as an experienced backup. This means a change in the immediate role for the long-time backup goalkeeper. Should Urbig be unable to play, Ulreich would be called upon first.
The reason for this reshuffling is Neuer’s partial tendon tear in his right foot. The captain was injured again during the 2-1 win in Mainz and had to be substituted before halftime. According to information from Sport BILD, he is expected to be out until Christmas.
Accordingly, Bayern does not plan to sign an additional goalkeeper this winter. Club officials expect Neuer to return in the new year and want to give him the time he needs to fully recover from his injury.
The current lineup should be distinguished from long-term planning. As for Neuer’s future beyond this season, there are strong indications he will leave the club. Urbig is slated to be his successor, while Bayern is considering experienced candidates for the backup role.
Until the captain’s return, however, the solution will remain internal: Urbig will take the reins in goal, with Ulreich serving as his backup. Behind them, various young goalkeepers will be given the opportunity to train with the first team as needed.