BAYERN MUNICH could hand a surprise debut to 16-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Prescott in the UEFA Champions League.
The club faces a serious goalkeeping shortage ahead of their second-leg clash against Atalanta. Multiple injuries have left the squad short of experienced options.
Head coach Vincent Kompany confirmed that the final decision depends on the fitness of Jonas Urbig. The young goalkeeper suffered a concussion during Bayern’s dominant 6–1 win in Italy last week.
If Urbig does not receive medical clearance, Prescott will likely step in and make his first senior appearance.
Bayern’s goalkeeping problems have worsened in recent days. First-choice keeper Manuel Neuer continues his recovery from a muscle injury. Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Sven Ulreich picked up an adductor issue during a recent league match against Bayer Leverkusen.
Prescott, who plays for Bayern’s under-19 team, has already featured on the bench in recent matches. However, he must secure official clearance due to age-related working regulations before he can play in an evening fixture.
Despite his young age, Kompany expressed strong confidence in the teenager. He described Prescott as calm and composed, adding that the coaching staff will fully support him if he takes the field.
The manager also reassured fans that the club will not place unnecessary pressure on young players. However, he made it clear that the team trusts Prescott’s ability if called upon.
Other young goalkeepers, including Leon Klanac and Janis Bartl, remain unavailable or less likely options due to injury or selection decisions.
Bayern, the current Bundesliga leaders, aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals. If they progress, they could face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the next round.
All eyes now remain on the medical update, which will determine whether a teenage debut becomes reality on one of football’s biggest stages.
