FC Bayern faces another personnel setback ahead of its Bundesliga showdown against RB Leipzig. After two disappointing draws against FC Augsburg and Viking Stavanger, the German record champions are under pressure to deliver on Saturday. And just when they need him most, there are renewed concerns about Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old was unable to train with the team on Thursday.
As reported by BILD, the Bayern captain was absent from the training field on Säbener Straße as the team began preparations for the top-of-the-table clash against Leipzig. Instead, Neuer only completed individual drills at the training center.
This is due to ongoing foot problems that had already sidelined the 2014 World Cup champion in recent days. Neuer was already forced to sit out the 3-3 Champions League draw against Viking Stavanger. Jonas Urbig started in goal in that match.
Kompany doesn’t want to take any risks with Neuer
Even before the Champions League match, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany had explained that the decision to sit out his starting goalkeeper was based solely on medical grounds. “It was a purely medical decision. The situation has developed a bit further,” the Belgian explained.
According to reports, the symptoms had already appeared after the Bundesliga match against Augsburg.
Kompany made it clear that it was difficult to estimate the duration of the absence at this stage. “In moments like these, you never know whether it will take two days or two weeks,” the Bayern coach emphasized.
At the same time, he made it clear that they would not take any unnecessary risks with Neuer.
It therefore remains to be seen whether the 40-year-old will be fit in time for the home game against Leipzig. A final decision is not expected until after Friday’s final training session.
Urbig Eyes Next Start
Should Neuer be sidelined again, Jonas Urbig will once more get the chance to start. The 23-year-old has already proven on several occasions this season that he can hold his own at the highest level.
In addition to his appearance in Stavanger, Urbig also stood in goal for Bayern in the 2-1 win against Elversberg and the 4-1 victory over Osnabrück in the DFB Cup.
Most recently, the young goalkeeper also gained valuable experience with the German national team. He impressed with strong performances in the international matches against Serbia and Greece.
For Kompany, however, another absence by Neuer would be anything but ideal. After two consecutive competitive matches without a win, the Munich team is determined to get back on track against Leipzig.
Whether the experienced captain or Urbig will once again guard the Bayern goal is likely to be decided on Friday.