Bayern Munich vs Magdeburg – Match preview and team news

Manuel Neuer is set to resume training with Bayern Munich, though his availability remains uncertain for the upcoming match against FC Magdeburg in the DFB-Pokal. The veteran goalkeeper has been sidelined due to tendon irritation and fluid accumulation in his foot, which has prevented him from featuring in the past two Bundesliga games.

Jonas Urbig has taken his place in goal for those matches, having previously started in the Champions League draw against Viking FK. Bayern's sport board member, Max Eberl, confirmed that Neuer should begin training this week, but still doubts his fitness for the second-round Pokal match. As a precaution, the club aims to avoid rushing Neuer back too soon, especially with a high-stakes match against Borussia Dortmund scheduled for the weekend.

Urbig, who also started the first-round Pokal win over VfL Osnabrück, would step in if Neuer is deemed unfit. Bayern had previously planned for the season to be transitional, with Neuer mentoring Urbig. The club's decision to give Urbig a Pokal match against Magdeburg allows Neuer to recover before facing Dortmund, unless the team opts to have Neuer in goal for continuity ahead of the highly anticipated "Der Klassiker."