Unusual situation could force Bayern Munich to field a 16-year-old goalkeeper despite rule that stops him playing after 8pm
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has indicated he'll likely avoid having to start 16-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Prescott in the Champions League against Atalanta after backup Jonas Urbig returned to training on Wednesday (AEDT) amid an injury crisis in the position.
Urbig, normally Bayern's second choice in goal, suffered a concussion after colliding with an opponent when Bayern won the first leg 6-1 last week.
Fellow goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich have longer-term injuries.
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Fans of Bayern Munich hold scarves and fly flags in support. Getty
Kompany said it will be a "purely medical decision" whether Urbig is fit to play, and "if everything is fine tomorrow morning and it's going like it is currently is, then Urbig will be in goal as normal. And if not, then we need to use another solution and we'll do that as well."
Kompany then confirmed that the "solution" would be New York-born 16-year-old Prescott, who usually plays for the club's under-19 squad.
Prescott, a German youth international, has to obtain special permission under the country's labour laws, which prohibit youngsters from working after 8pm.
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Leonard Prescott of Bayern Munich warms-up next to his teammate Manuel Neuer. Getty
"He (Prescott) is very calm. Overall, we as a staff are also calm. If he plays tomorrow he will have our full backing. Everyone will help," Kompany added.
"There will never be a young player who will be forced to play a main role. We have full confidence in him whatever happens tomorrow."
Prescott was on the bench for the team's Bundesliga game at the weekend when third-choice Ulreich tore an adductor muscle.
A 19-year-old reserve player, Jannis Bartl, has also been considered as an option.
Bayern said Urbig trained with the team on Wednesday (AEDT) and German great Neuer did a partial session as part of his recovery from a recurring calf injury.
It's "obviously satisfying that Manu (Neuer) is back (training) and Jonas can train just as normal," Kompany said.
Bayern has also been dealing with injuries to left back Alphonso Davies and forward Jamal Musiala after last week's win at Atalanta.
