Bayern Munich is currently in the midst of a shortage of goalkeepers. With the concussion that Jonas Urbig suffered towards the end of the 6-1 win over Atalanta in Bergamo in the Champions League round of 16, Sven Ulreich is now the only fit senior keeper in the squad since Manuel Neuer is still recovering from a calf problem that has been troubling him for the better part of the past month now.
As things stand, Neuer is expected to be back fit at some point in the beginning of April after the international
break a little later this month and Urbig is set to be sidelined for up to ten days. As such, Vincent Kompany is going to have to call on Ulreich to start in goal for this weekend’s Bundesliga clash against Bayer Leverkusen, who just out forth a commendable 1-1 draw against Arsenal at home in the Champions League. For Ulreich, it’s been almost 18 months since he’s made a competitive appearance for the German Rekordmeister, though he did get some time in a January tune-up friendly vs. RB Salzburg.
Per information from Kicker (as per @iMiaSanMia_GER), in addition to Ulreich starting for the Leverkusen match, one of youngsters Leonard Prescott or Jannis Bärtl will also be in the squad to take on Die Werkself since there are no other senior keepers fit and available. Prescott currently resides with Bayern’s under 19 side while Bärtl plays for the reserves (FC Bayern II). For whoever winds up getting the nod from Kompany to be listed in the squad as Ulreich’s backup for the Leverkusen clash, it will be either of their first senior callups.
For what it’s worth, either Prescott or Bärtl would be going into the match with the expectation of just sitting on the bench while Ulreich plays, but there’s still so much more to it. Being able to be a part of the full matchday routine with the senior squad would be an amazing experience for either youngster — travelling with the team to Leverkusen, training with the first tea, and being a part of the whole process.
