Comeback not until April? Bayern not taking any risks with Neuer | OneFootball

FC Bayern are suddenly on goalkeeper alert. Following Jonas Urbig’s concussion and Manuel Neuer’s new muscle injury, the German record champions have had to change their plans at short notice. Sven Ulreich will therefore be back between the posts against Bayer Leverkusen

The 37-year-old is back in the limelight following the absences of his two colleagues. Ulreich will play his 104th competitive match for FC Bayern in the Bundesliga top match against Leverkusen on Saturday

The current situation was triggered by Jonas Urbig’s violent collision in the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Atalanta Bergamo. The 22-year-old collided with Atalanta striker Nikola Kristovic and suffered a concussion. According to BILD, Urbig will have to take around a week off

Neuer continues to work on his comeback

photo: Getty Images

At the same time, captain Manuel Neuer is also still out. The 39-year-old suffered another muscle fiber tear in his left calf during the 4:1 Bundesliga win against Borussia Mönchengladbach

One week after the injury, the 2014 world champion has not yet returned to the training pitch. Instead, Neuer completed individual rehab training in the gym at Säbener Straße on Thursday

The program included treadmill sessions and special exercises with and without weights. The goalkeeper was supervised by rehab coaches Quirin Löppert and Simon Martinello as well as goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner

One thing is already clear: Neuer will not be available for either the Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen or the Champions League second leg against Atalanta Bergamo. According to BILD, a return before the international break at the end of March is effectively ruled out. As things stand, the away match on 4 April appears to be the earliest comeback date

Young keepers move up

FC Bayern do not want to take any risks with the captain – also with a view to the decisive phase of the season in the spring. While Ulreich will now take on the role of regular keeper again, two young goalkeepers are ready behind him

Ulreich was the first player on the pitch during training on Thursday and, according to reports, appeared highly motivated. The two campus keepers Jannis Bärtl (19 years old) and Leonard Prescott (16 years old) trained with the professional team as additional options.