Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany confirmed the situation at his pre-match press conference, making clear that the club would not take unnecessary risks with the veteran goalkeeper at this stage of the season.
âManuel Neuer is not training today; he felt something in his foot. So the question of who will be in goal tomorrow is answered very quickly. At this stage of the season, there is no point in taking risks,â Kompany said.
The decision means Urbig, 23, is in line to take the gloves for Tuesdayâs Champions League fixture in Norway. He has recently impressed while representing Germany, strengthening his case for further opportunities at club level.
Neuer, meanwhile, came under scrutiny following Bayernâs 2-2 draw with Augsburg, in which he made an error. The result fuelled discussion over whether the club should begin preparing for a change of first-choice goalkeeper.
However, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has made the clubâs position clear: Neuer remains the established number one.
âManu is our number one and will remain so. What happens in the future remains to be seen,â Eberl said.
Neuer is approaching the later stages of his career, and speculation about succession is likely to continue. Urbigâs performances have made him a natural candidate to take over eventually, with the possibility of a transition next season if Neuer decides to retire.
For now, however, the immediate decision is being driven by fitness rather than a change in the clubâs hierarchy. Kompanyâs comments indicate that Bayern are unwilling to risk aggravating Neuerâs problem ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
Urbig will therefore have the opportunity to demonstrate his readiness on the European stage, while Neuerâs status as Bayernâs first-choice goalkeeper remains unchanged.