Vincent Kompany picks Jonas Urbig for injured Neuer vs Viking Stavanger

In the cold north of Norway, at the Lyse‑Arena stadium, the Champions League duel is set: FC Bayern must rely on the 21‑year‑old Jonas Urbig due to a foot injury to Manuel Neuer. Coach Vincent Kompany confirmed the change after his arrival on Monday evening.

Medical reason for the change

"Manu felt something in his foot," the Belgian explained after he had entered the pitch. The goalkeeper swap was purely medically justified, so the question about the lineup was quickly resolved. Neuer had felt the injury after the 2:2‑draw against FC Augsburg and therefore missed the final training on the artificial turf of the Lyse Arena.

Urbig gets his third chance

Jonas Urbig, the "Number 1b" behind the 2014 world champion until the end of the season, will thus be in goal for the third time this season. Previously, he had already made appearances in the DFB‑Cup against VfL Osnabrück (4:1) and in the league against newly promoted SV Elversberg (2:1).

Neuer out – Jonas Urbig takes over the goal against Stavanger

Vincent Kompany emphasized that the match against Norwegian champions Viking Stavanger depends above all on the right mentality. "For Viking it is an important match. I don't want anyone to feel that it is not just as important for us," he said.

The artificial turf must not become a negative factor, added national player Jonathan Tah. He had frequently played on artificial turf in his youth, most recently three or four years ago with Hamburger SV, and emphasized that the pitch is "luxurious".

Bayern face Viking in Champions League opener as PSG clash looms

Kompany stated that he does not think the injury is serious, but there is no point in taking a risk. The 40‑year‑old coach had already defended Neuer after the match against FCA, as had sporting director Max Eberl and president Herbert Hainer.