Bayern Munich Faces Fireworks Disruption and Neuer Injury Ahead of Viking Clash

Bayern Munich players experienced a noisy welcome in Norway ahead of their Champions League match against Viking, as unidentified individuals set off fireworks outside their team hotel at around 1:15 AM.

Midnight Fireworks and Unusual Conditions

The loud explosions lasted for nearly two minutes near the Radisson Blu Atlantic hotel, with fireworks reaching the upper floors of the ten-story building. Despite the disturbance, no police intervention was reported. Vincent Kompany's side, who previously crushed Bodo/Glimt 5-0, will also have to contend with an unusual artificial turf surface, a rare occurrence for the German club in an official match since November 2006.

Neuer's Injury Absence

Compounding the preparations, captain Manuel Neuer is expected to miss the fixture due to foot pain following a 2-2 draw against Augsburg. Jonas Urbig is expected to start in goal.

"Manuel cannot train. He felt something in his foot, which practically answers the question of who will be in goal," Kompany said at the press conference. "We won't take any unnecessary risks if he doesn't feel one hundred percent."

Bayern will aim to maintain their flawless European record despite the absence of their veteran goalkeeper.