VINCENT KOMPANY has been left with a serious selection headache ahead of Bayern Munich’s showdown with Bayer Leverkusen – and could hand a teenage sensation a shock debut.
The Bundesliga giants are already on the brink of the Champions League quarter-finals after thumping Atalanta in their last 16 first leg.
Jonas Urbig needed to be helped off the pitch after suffering concussion against AtalantaCredit: EPA
Leonard Prescott could be handed his Bayern Munich debutCredit: Getty
But the mauling came at a cost for Bayern as Jonas Urbig suffered concussion when he collided with Nikola Krstovic in the last seconds of the clash.
and Jamal Musiala also had to be forced off with injuries at the New Balance Arena.
And Urbig’s spell on the sidelines will open the door for highly-rated youngster Leonard Prescott, 16, or veteran Sven Ulreich to come into the starting line-up.
Four-time Premier League title winner Kompany is already without No1 shot-stopper .
The German suffered a muscle fibre tear during a win over Werder Bremen last month.
And Bayern sporting director Max Eberl conceded after the comfortable victory at Atalanta that Urbig, 22, needs to be assessed.
He said: “I’m not sure what injury Jonas Urbig has. He was a bit dazed and had a headache.”
American-born keeper Prescott was named on the bench for the first time on Tuesday.
And Kompany is considering throwing the Germany Under-17 international into the firing line when they make the trip to Leverkusen on Saturday.
The schoolkid could also feature in the last 16 second leg against Atalanta because Urbig will remain unavailable.
Sven Ulreich last featured in September 2024Credit: Reuters
Harry Kane is firing Bayern towards silverwareCredit: AFP
Former skipper Kompany’s other option between the sticks is Ulreich, 37.
The ex-Stuttgart favourite has not been handed a single senior outing in 18 months – with his last involvement coming in September 2024.
But Ulreich has made 103 appearances for Bayern and there would be no fears about him being overawed.
The reigning Bundesliga champions will travel to Leverkusen with an 11-point cushion at the summit, largely thanks to the prolific form of England skipper .
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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