Bayern Munich consider handing Champions League debut to 16-year-old goalkeeper amid injury crisis

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A 16-year-old goalkeeper could be thrust into the spotlight for Bayern Munich in their Champions League round of 16 return leg against Atalanta, coach Vincent Kompany revealed on Tuesday.

Leonard Prescott, a Germany youth international, may make his senior debut should Jonas Urbig fail to recover from a concussion sustained in the first leg.

Prescott, who typically plays for Bayern’s Under-19s, required special clearance to work in the evening as a teenager ahead of a potential start in Wednesday’s crucial fixture.

He stands as the only viable option if Urbig, who picked up his injury during Bayern’s dominant 6-1 victory in Italy last week, is not deemed fit to play.

Addressing the media, Kompany stated: “Jonas trained normally today. The decision tomorrow will be a medical one. If everything goes well then Urbig will be in goal. If not then we will have to find another solution.”

Vincent Kompany has insisted he has no reservations about playing Prescott (Getty Images)

The coach expressed full confidence in the young prospect, adding: “He is very calm. Overall, we as a staff are also calm. If he plays tomorrow he will have our full backing. Everyone will help.

“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.”

Bayern are currently grappling with a significant goalkeeping crisis. First-choice keeper Manuel Neuer is still working towards a comeback and remains unfit, while third-choice Sven Ulreich joined the injury list after suffering an adductor muscle problem during Saturday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite their commanding aggregate lead, the Bavarians have no intention of playing cautiously.

Kompany emphasised: “You cannot allow too much. We made such an effort to build up the momentum we have. This is not a friendly match… and if it is not about the result, it is about performance.”

The winner of the tie will advance to face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals, with Bayern also leading the Bundesliga title race and through to the German Cup last four.

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