Opposed to Bayer
© Imago
It was a curious situation for Manuel Neuer (38). And one with consequences for him and FC Bayern. Germany’s record goalkeeper suffered a muscle fiber tear in the calf in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen after Munich. He is initially canceled that a return before the international break that started on March 17 is said to be unlikely.
In the upcoming games, young goalkeeper Jonas Urbig (21) is likely to be in the Bayern goal. The game against Bayer was a memorable evening for the U21 national player, who came from 1,1 million euros in winter for 7 million euros in winter, he celebrated his premiere in the FC Bayern jersey when he was substituted for new ones in the 58th minute. “There are easier games for a debut,” said coach Vincent Kompany. He had experienced Urbig as in the few months before. “Very quiet, very confident,” said the Munich coach, who wanted to shop “zero pressure” on Urbig’s shoulders.
The club debut in a co-game of the Champions League is not commonplace. Before Urbig, only 29 other players experienced this this millennium, including teammate Hiroki Ito (25) in the intermediate round against Celtic (2-1) and former Bayern keeper Hans Jörg Butt. The 50-year-old moved from Benfica to Munich in summer 2008, but only moved into the goal for Michael Rensing in spring.
Other Bundesliga professionals who made their debut in the premier class for their clubs are BVB winter access Carney Chukwuemeka (21), the former Leverkusen talent Maximilian Wagener (30) and in March 2004 Mario Gómez for VfB Stuttgart at 0-0 at Chelsea. Curious: Ali Karimi completed his first of only two competitive games for Schalke 04 in the legendary 5: 2 against Inter Milan – for at least three minutes.
Before Urbig’s Bavaria debut: new injury when cheering
Neuer had suffered the injury to Bayer shortly after 2-0 by Jamal Musiala (54th minute). He only indicated moments after the preliminary decision that his 150th Champions League game could no longer go on. Kompany described the scene in such a way that it happened when cheering. Sports board member Max Eberl said that it happened at a sprint, the new then reached the calf. “It is something muscular,” said Eberl in the stadium and referred to the examinations ongoing.
Eberl called Urbig’s appearance “very stable” after several months without a game practice, even if he didn’t have to hold a heavy ball. The 21-year-old could now stand in the goal in the Bundesliga against VfL Bochum on Saturday and three days later in Leverkusen. Alternatives to Urbig are veteran Sven Ulreich (36), who switched from the stands to the bench during the game, or who, after a kidney bruise, now trained with the team, Daniel Peretz (24).
