Bayern's goalkeeper crisis escalated after a 1-1 draw with Leverkusen in Bundesliga round 26 on 14/3. Third-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich suffered a right adductor muscle injury during the match, playing the full 90 minutes.

Bayern announced Ulreich sustained a muscle tear and will be sidelined for some time. The 37-year-old goalkeeper could miss about 6 weeks, leaving the club without an experienced option in goal.

Goalkeeper Sven Ulreich was voted man of the match in Bayern's 1-1 draw with Leverkusen at Bay Arena, Leverkusen, Germany on 14/3/2026. *Photo: Bild*

Prior to Ulreich's injury, three other Bayern goalkeepers were already sidelined. Captain Manuel Neuer is recovering from a calf injury and will not return before the German national team call-up at the end of this month. Reserve goalkeeper Jonas Urbig is still recovering from a concussion, and fourth-choice goalkeeper Leon Klanac has been out with a thigh muscle issue.

With all four first-team goalkeepers unavailable, head coach Vincent Kompany faces a difficult challenge before the Champions League second leg on 18/3. The Belgian coach will likely turn to one of two young academy goalkeepers.

The most prominent candidate is 16-year-old Leonard Prescott. Born in New York but representing Germany at youth levels, Prescott was recently included in the matchday squad and was on the bench against Leverkusen. Should he play against Atalanta, Prescott would become Bayern's youngest goalkeeper ever and the club's second-youngest player, surpassed only by Paul Wanner (who debuted at 16 years and 15 days in 1/2022).

Despite his lack of first-team experience, Prescott has featured in the UEFA Youth League and the German Youth Cup. Kompany's other option is Jannis Bartl, a 19-year-old goalkeeper who starts for Bayern's reserve team in Germany's fourth tier. Bartl was listed as a substitute in a victory over Dortmund last month.

There is still a possibility that Urbig could return for the Atalanta match. Bayern's medical staff will continue to assess his concussion before making a final decision on his availability.

However, the current circumstances somewhat alleviate the pressure on Kompany. Bayern holds a significant advantage, having won the first leg 6-1 at Atalanta in Italy. This 5-goal lead allows the German club to potentially debut a young goalkeeper at their home ground, Allianz Arena, with minimal risk.

Hoang An (according to Bild, ESPN)