Bayern Munich ended a productive last week on a strong note with a 3-0 win away at Werder Bremen. Despite Bremen’s best efforts, Bayern didn’t have to get out of first gear to clinch the win and regain the lead of six points at the top of the points table in the Bundesliga.
The win against Bremen was dampened by the injury to Manuel Neuer. The German goalkeeper has suffered a calf strain. He was substituted at the half-time during the game against Bremen. According to Sky Sports in Germany, Neuer is expected to be out for at least three weeks.
Die Roten confirmed Neuer’s injury on Sunday, but didn’t put a time frame on his return. As things stand, it does look like Neuer will miss the big game against Borussia Dortmund at the end of the month. A win against Dortmund will give Bayern a lead of nine points over their prime title contender.
Considering his steady form over the last couple of months, Neuer will be disappointed with the injury. The German goalkeeper will be hoping to get back to full fitness sooner rather than later to ensure he gets game time before big games in the DFB Pokal and Champions League.
Time for Jonas Urbig to step up
The injury to Neuer opens the door for Jonas Urbig to get more game time in the first team. The young German goalkeeper has done reasonably well whenever Vincent Kompany has handed him starts this season. His best performance this season came against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at the end of January.
Bayern chiefs have a lot of faith in Urbig. They consider him the ideal candidate to succeed Neuer for the Bavarian club. His performances in the first team since arriving in Munich 12 months ago have been impressive. He is brave with the ball and has good reflexes to make difficult saves. Most importantly, he has the personality to excel in Bayern’s goal and fill the big shoes of Neuer.
With Neuer turning 40 in March, the time is getting near for Bayern to have a new person in the goal on a consistent basis. Urbig can repay and justify the faith shown by Bayern chiefs over the next three weeks. The game against Borussia Dortmund will be a perfect platform to see how Urbig performs in high pressure situation.
Neuer’s injury is a blow for Bayern, but these three weeks will help the club assess the development of Urbig.