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Bayern could start 16-year-old in Atalanta second leg amid goalkeeping crisis

Vincent Kompany is calm about the situation.

Bayern Munich could be forced to start 16-year-old Leonard Prescott in goal against Atalanta on Wednesday as injuries have limited their options in between the posts.

Vincent Kompany’s men are in complete command of the Champions League last-16 tie with the Serie A side after winning the first leg 6-1 in Bergamo.

But there could be an unusual source of intrigue in a second-leg dead rubber in the form of a debut for Prescott.

Bayern’s goalkeeper injury crisis

Bayern started Jonas Urbig in the first leg, but he had to be substituted because of a concussion.

With Manuel Neuer unavailable, Sven Ulreich was the goalkeeper in the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga at the weekend. However, Ulreich suffered a muscle injury in that game.

Leon Klanac is the fourth-choice keeper, but he has a hamstring injury.

If all four were unavailable, then Prescott would be Bayern’s only option, but Kompany had some positive news on the injury front on Tuesday.

Neuer and Urbig back in the mix

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Kompany confirmed the likely plans for the goalkeeper spot against Atalanta after receiving a boost from two of his keepers.

“I wasn’t surprised that Manuel Neuer was back [in training] but pleased: that he’s there again, that Jonas Urbig is training again,” Kompany said.

Bayern Munich boss Vincent KompanyBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany

“But the decision will be a purely medical one. If everything goes as expected, Urbig will start in goal. And if not, we’ll find another solution.”

Asked if that other solution would be Prescott, Kompany replied: “Yes.”

“He’s quite calm,” Kompany added of Prescott. “But I have to say, when I look at a young player like him, it’s the opposite end of the scale to Sven Ulreich. But we’re a very calm staff overall.

“If he must play, he’ll have our full support and backing. We have a lot of good players who will then help him. There’ll never be a young player here who’s given a leading role. Regardless of what happens, we have full faith.”

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Bayern could start 16-year-old in Atalanta second leg amid goalkeeping crisis

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