Kompany confirms Urbig will start in Neuer’s absence against Bochum

FC Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has confirmed that Jonas Urbig will fill in for the injured Manuel Neuer against Bochum this weekend.

When Manuel Neuer picked up an injury in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 Champions League round of 16 first-leg win against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, 21-year-old Jonas Urbig was handed his debut in place of the goalkeeping veteran.

And as Bayern coach Vincent Kompany confirmed at a press conference on Friday, Urbig will make his first start for the Bavarians against VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

“I don’t want to put any great pressure on Jonas. He’s done everything right so far in training and in the match. That should give him confidence. We’ve got confidence in him for the games to come that he can deal with things like in training. And if not, no stress. He’s got talent and our trust.

“The important thing for us is that everyone’s fit and healthy. We have an incredible number one, and behind him there’s guys who help us and who have done an excellent job,” Kompany said when asked about his goalkeeping hierarchy.

“Jonas Urbig will play tomorrow. Daniel Peretz has been a good replacement so far when Manu was out. Sven Ulreich will be on the bench tomorrow, because Daniel isn’t quite yet back from his injury. We’ll discuss it all in the coming days, but out in public isn’t the right platform for that.”

Sidelined with a torn muscle fibre in his right calf, Manuel Neuer will be out until this month’s international break at least.

“I assume Manuel will need time until the international break to recover. But we don’t know. It could take longer. We’re pleased there’s a break coming up. I think that’ll help us,” said Kompany.