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Bayern Munich's Jonas Urbig and Manuel Neuer in action during the team's training session ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League soccer match against Atlanta. Malin Wunderlich/dpa
Jonas Urbig appears to have recovered from concussion in time to return into Bayern Munich's goal for Wednesday's Chmpions League last 16 match against Atalanta.
Urbig is back in training and coach Vincent Kompany told a news conference on Tuesday that "if everything goes as expected, Urbig will start in goal.
"And if not, we'll find another solution," he added. "The decision will be a purely medical one."
The keeper dilemma
Urbig suffered concussion right at the end of Bayern's 6-1 first leg victory in Italy last week. Third choice Sven Ulreich played in Saturday's 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Bayer Leverkusen but tore a thigh muscle.
With fourth choice Leon Klanac also not fit there was speculation that 16-year-old Leonard Prescott would be the keeper, which could still happen if doctors veto Urbig's return.
"He's quite calm," Kompany said of Prescott, who was reserve keeper in the last two matches.
"If he must play, he'll have our full support and backing. We have a lot of good players who will then help him. There'll never be a young player here who's given a leading role. Regardless of what happens, we have full faith."
Neuer is also back in training on Tuesday from a calf injury but the 39-year-old has never been an option for the Atalanta game.
Suspensions and looming suspensions
It helps Bayern's cause that they managed a big victory in Bergamo to have one foot in the quarter-finals. Atalanta would need a biggest ever European comeback to advance which is not expected, regardless of who is in Bayern's goal.
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich and winger Michael Olise are suspended, playmaker Jamal Musiala and full back Alphonso Davies injured, but Harry Kane could start for the first time since suffering a bruised calf.
Kompany said that there are "no special considerations" concerning centre back Dayot Upamecano and allrounder Konrad Laimer who would miss the first quarter-final against Real Madrid or Manchester City if they are booked on Wednesday.
Kompany named resting them "a logical thought" but added: "It is what it is. The fact is, if they got a yellow card they'd be suspended for the next match. But if it's necessary, then so be it."
Full focus required
The coach said it was "difficult to gauge" how Atalanta would approach the game while expecting a fully focussed performance from his players despite the big lead.
"We don't do friendlies," he said. "75,000 people are coming to the game to support the team - that’s a crucial foundation in terms of willingness to work hard and run.
"I want us to enjoy ourselves, but there's no reason for us to give any less. We are Bayern Munich. We’ve worked very hard to build this momentum."
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