Bayern Munich could field 16-year-old goalkeeper Prescott in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Atalanta, Head Coach Vincent Kompany confirmed, following a string of injuries to the club’s senior goalkeepers.
Regular starter Manuel Neuer is still recovering from a muscle tear, while third-choice keeper Sven Ulreich suffered an adductor injury during Bayern’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
Second-choice keeper Jonas Urbig is recovering from a concussion sustained in last week’s 6-1 win in Italy.
As reported by BBC Sport, Kompany said on Tuesday, “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.”
That solution could be Prescott, a German youth international who plays for Bayern’s under-19 team. As a minor, he will require clearance from German labor authorities to play in an evening match.
Kompany praised the young keeper’s composure, 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.”
Neuer, 37, has appeared in 19 Bundesliga matches this season, while Urbig, 22, has eight league appearances, and Ulreich, 37, has featured once. Another teenage keeper, Leon Klanac, 19, is also sidelined with a thigh injury.
Bayern, defending Bundesliga champions and current league leaders, will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the UCL quarter-finals if they defeat Atalanta, making the goalkeeping situation a critical issue ahead of the high-stakes match.
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