Bayern Munich received significant positive news on the injury front this week. In the goalkeeping department, Jonas Urbig returned to training after missing games for Germany during the international break due to a minor injury. It was a disappointing couple of weeks for the young goalkeeper as he could have made his debut for Germany.
Nevertheless, his return to fitness is good news for Bayern. The club skipper, Manuel Neuer, has also recovered from a minor injury. Neuer is expected to start against Freiburg, while Urbig will start on the bench.
Urbig has done a terrific job whenever he has been called upon to replace Neuer in the starting XI. Since arriving from FC Koln at the start of 2025, Urbig has hardly delivered a poor performance. He is good with shot-stopping and more than competent when it comes to playing out from the back.
Bayern chiefs have publicly backed Urbig to be the long-term successor of Manuel Neuer. However, Urbig is not thinking about succeeding Neuer. While talking to Sky Sports in Germany this week, Urbig admitted that his sole focus is on doing well in training and following the process that has helped him to develop his mentality and skillset.
"That's not my decision. What I can influence is bringing the right mindset and quality and then converting that into something, because FC Bayern is a very big club. I feel I've done very well with that approach so far. Always being mentally prepared to be needed and being there to deliver on the pitch. I believe I've succeeded in that so far."Jonas Urbig
Urbig pleased with his decision to join Bayern
Considering the presence of Manuel Neuer in the squad and him showing no signs of decline, Bayern Munich is not an ideal club for goalkeepers who want playing time. However, the decision to join Bayern was straightforward for Urbig.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper admitted that the club’s plans for him and their drive to compete on all fronts were enough for him to make the switch to Munich from Cologne. Urbig has looked home whenever he has played for Die Roten. He has looked unfazed by the pressure to replace Neuer in the starting XI.
Urbig is expected to stay at Bayern next season. There is growing uncertainty around the future of Neuer in Munich. The 40-year-old has postponed a decision about his future as the veteran shot-stopper is focusing on the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Bayern are open to offering him another one-year contract. If Neuer ends up deciding to hang up his boots, Urbig will start next season as Bayern’s number one.
The immediate focus for Neuer and Urbig is to give their best in the next couple of months to ensure Bayern have a good chance of winning the treble this season.