Time is running out, and the risk is there: FC Bayern will probably play in Saturday evening’s German classic in Dortmund without goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer due to a calf injury.
At least, that’s how coach Vincent Kompany’s words at Friday morning’s press conference can be interpreted. “Actually, he’s looking good, we thought he’d be out longer,” said Kompany, adding that the goalkeeper ‘might’ take part in the final training session on Friday. “We’ll talk again after that,” the Belgian added.
Then came the important addition. “Probably not,” Kompany replied when asked about Neuer’s participation in the classic match. “If not, we’ll play with Jonas Urbig, who has always represented us well. And then we’ll be happy to have Manu back.” Was this just Kompany playing poker or a clear indication that Neuer won’t be playing? More likely the latter.
This would mean that Neuer, who is soon to turn 40 and has played 541 Bundesliga games to date, would miss a league game for the sixth time this season. He was also suspended for the first two rounds of the DFB Cup and sat out the last Champions League game, a 2-1 win in Eindhoven, when Urbig played outstandingly and set up the winning goal.
Laimer fit, good news for Davies
Konrad Laimer is fit again, Kompany revealed. The Austrian took a break last weekend after a torn muscle fiber forced him to sit out. With Alphonso Davies injured, Laimer and Josip Stanisic are likely to occupy the defensive wings in Dortmund. It remains to be seen who will play on the left and who on the right.
Kompany had good news about Davies, who suffered a torn muscle fiber in his hamstring against Frankfurt. Initially, it looked like he would be out for a long time, but the Canadian was already back on the track on Thursday. “We’ll see what happens with him next week, but he’ll be available for the important games in March.”
This means Kompany has numerous options at his disposal and can almost draw on his full squad. Michael Olise and Aleksandar Pavlovic should also be available, having also taken a break during the week. Kompany did not want to make a final decision here, preferring to wait for the final training session and leave open whether everyone will start. “We trust our squad. Everyone who takes to the pitch can secure a victory.”