Manuel Neuer started in goal for Bayern Munich in their 6-1 thrashing of RB Leipzig and was minutes away from recording a clean sheet, had it not been for a sublime consolation goal from Leipzig’s Andrija Maksimović in the first minute of second-half stoppage time.
That was Urbig’s second straight start for Bayern, as he was also between the sticks for the shock 3-3 draw at Viking FK in Norway midweek in the Champions League, with Manuel Neuer dealing with a foot problem. The veteran keeper has been experiencing discomfort in his foot ever since the 2-2 draw with Augsburg after the international break—a match in which he made an early mistake leading to Augsburg’s first goal.
Per information from Bild (via @iMiaSanMia), Neuer currently remains an injury doubt for Bayern’s Champions League clash against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena this week, arguably their toughest test of the season thus far. Originally, Bayern’s plan was simply to rest Neuer for the Leipzig match so he would be ready to go in time for Arsenal midweek, but fresh concerns have emerged for the veteran keeper. Urbig could very well have to start his third straight match for the German Rekordmeister.
“There was simply a bit of fluid in his foot. It wasn’t enough for today. We’ll see if it’s enough for Wednesday,” board member for sport Max Eberl said of Neuer’s condition after Bayern’s big win over Leipzig. The fluid in Neuer’s affected foot is typically an indication of stress from overuse, so it is a situation Bayern must handle delicately, despite arguably their biggest match of the season coming up this week.
Time will tell whether Urbig or Neuer starts against Mikel Arteta’s side, but it will all hinge on whether Neuer is able to rejoin team training at the beginning of the week ahead of the match. If he is able to get one or two sessions in before kickoff, Vincent Kompany and his coaching staff will likely give Neuer the green light; otherwise, it will be another start for Urbig—his fifth of the season overall.
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