FC Bayern Munich are making key lineup decisions for their Bundesliga home match: Alphonso Davies returns to the starting XI for the first time in over ten months, while Jonas Urbig starts in goal instead of captain Manuel Neuer.
Davies Back in Bayern’s Starting Lineup
Alphonso Davies, the Canadian wing-back, last started a match in March of last year after suffering a serious knee injury (torn cruciate ligament) that sidelined him for months.
In the Bundesliga match against FC Augsburg, Davies is once again named in the starting lineup by head coach Vincent Kompany, signaling that he has fully regained match fitness.
Davies had already made his return as a substitute in recent weeks, including appearances in the Champions League and late cameos off the bench.
However, starting the match marks a major milestone in his long recovery journey.
Urbig Instead of Neuer: A Young Goalkeeper on the Big Stage
One of the most eye-catching changes comes in goal: Jonas Urbig replaces long-time captain and first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Neuer is given a rest for this matchday, allowing the young Urbig the opportunity to prove himself in a Bundesliga starting role.
Urbig only joined Bayern recently and is considered one of the club’s most promising young goalkeeping talents.
This season, he has increasingly earned the coaching staff’s trust, even in high-profile fixtures.
Further Personnel Decisions and Absences
In addition to the two headline changes, several other lineup adjustments stand out:
Hiroki Ito comes into the defense.
Leon Goretzka replaces Joshua Kimmich in midfield.
Several players are unavailable: Raphael Guerreiro (muscle injury), Josip Stanišić, Konrad Laimer, Sacha Boey, and Dayot Upamecano are all sidelined for various reasons.
As a result, Kompany is relying on squad rotation and depth to cope with the demands of the season.
What Does This Mean for Bayern?
This match carries multiple implications for Bayern Munich:
The return of a key player: Davies’ start shows that he is ready to rejoin the battle for titles and crucial matches.
Trust in young talent: Starting Urbig demonstrates Bayern’s willingness to give opportunities to younger players in important moments.
Tactical flexibility: Kompany is responding to injuries and workload management by rotating the squad—an essential approach during a demanding campaign.
The match against FC Augsburg is therefore not only important from a sporting perspective, but also a real test of the current Bayern squad’s adaptability.
