FC Bayern faces an important personnel decision ahead of its Champions League showdown against Arsenal. Manuel Neuer has recently had to sit out two games due to injury. It remains unclear whether the 40-year-old will be able to return between the posts on Wednesday. However, there is now new information regarding a possible comeback for the Bayern captain. Coach Vincent Kompany has apparently set a clear condition for his return.

Neuer missed both the 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger and the convincing 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig. In both matches, the veteran was replaced by Jonas Urbig.

The 23-year-old performed very well and is ready to step in should Neuer be sidelined against Arsenal as well. The record champions, however, are hoping for the return of their regular No. 1.

Kompany Sets Clear Condition for Neuer’s Comeback

As reported by *kicker*, officials at Säbener Straße expect Neuer to be fit in time for the match against the Londoners.

However, there is no guarantee he will play.

According to the report, Kompany has set a clear requirement: Neuer must participate in Tuesday’s final training session to be considered for the starting lineup against Arsenal.

If the 40-year-old is unable to meet this requirement, Urbig will once again guard the Bayern goal.

The Munich club apparently wants to ensure that their captain is sufficiently fit following his injury. They want to avoid taking any unnecessary risks ahead of the important Champions League match.

Tuesday’s training session is therefore likely to be the decisive test for Neuer.

Eberl Provides Insight into Neuer’s Injury

Already after the Leipzig game, sporting director Max Eberl had explained why the Bayern captain had recently been unavailable. “There was just a little fluid in his foot. It wasn’t enough for today. We’ll see if it’s enough by Wednesday,” explained the 53-year-old.

The club’s management apparently wants to give the goalkeeper the time he needs to fully recover from his injury.

Kompany had also recently emphasized that there were no major concerns regarding the injury. However, due to the tight schedule with games every three days, even a short break could mean missing several matches.

Meanwhile, nothing has changed in the overall goalkeeper hierarchy. Neuer remains the clear No. 1, while Urbig continues to be groomed as his designated successor.

For the youngster, the match against Arsenal could nevertheless present his next big opportunity to prove himself. Should Neuer miss the final training session, Urbig would once again have to step up—against one of Europe’s strongest opponents, of all teams.

The final decision is expected to be made on Tuesday. Until then, it remains to be seen who will guard the Bayern goal on Wednesday evening.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/19/neuer-comeback-gegen-arsenal-kompany-stellt-klare-bedingung/.