Harry Kane is unlikely to miss any games after being substituted in the Bundesliga top match against Leverkusen. The Englishman participated in the final training session ahead of the match against Aston Villa.
Bayern Munich, currently leading the Bundesliga, has been given a positive boost ahead of their crucial Champions League away game against Aston Villa, as star striker Harry Kane took part in the final training session without any visible restrictions.
Kane’s presence on the training ground at Säbener Straße, just before 2 p.m., was seen as a very encouraging sign, given that there had been concerns over his fitness following an injury scare in the recent top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Kane’s inclusion in the open part of the training session suggests that he may be fit to feature in Wednesday evening’s Champions League match, a key fixture for Bayern Munich as they look to maintain their strong European campaign. His name also appeared in Bayern’s official squad for the game, released on Tuesday afternoon, adding further optimism regarding his availability. While the final decision will likely depend on how he feels closer to the match, his involvement in the full training session indicates progress in his recovery.
Despite the positive signs regarding Kane, Bayern Munich is still dealing with a few significant injury issues. Long-term absentees Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanisic, and Sacha Boey missed the final training session. Ito is recovering from a broken metatarsal, Stanisic is sidelined with a torn ligament in his right knee, and Boey is dealing with a meniscus tear in his left knee. Their absence continues to limit Bayern’s squad depth, especially in defense, but the potential return of Kane for this important match is a major morale boost.
Kane had sustained his left ankle injury during the closing minutes of Saturday evening's Bundesliga showdown against Leverkusen, which ended in a hard-fought draw. The injury occurred when Amine Adli, Leverkusen's substitute, inadvertently stepped on Kane's ankle after making a pass. Kane immediately went down in visible discomfort and required lengthy treatment from the medical staff before limping off the field. The initial reaction from Bayern Munich’s sporting director, Max Eberl, raised concerns as he remarked that the situation "didn’t look good," casting doubt on whether Kane would recover in time for the midweek clash.
However, those fears were allayed the following day when Kane himself spoke in the mixed zone after the match, downplaying the severity of the injury. The English striker acknowledged that while the knock was "a bit painful," it wasn’t serious enough to keep him out for long. Kane underwent a thorough examination on Sunday, and Bayern later issued a statement confirming a "positive development" in his recovery. The medical staff has continued to treat Kane’s ankle, and the signs have been encouraging enough for head coach Vincent Kompany to remain hopeful about his inclusion in the Champions League match.
Kompany has been cautiously optimistic, expressing hope that Kane would be available for selection. Kane’s return would be a major boost for Bayern, especially as he has been in excellent form since joining from Tottenham Hotspur, currently leading the Bundesliga scoring charts. His presence is seen as essential for Bayern’s attacking play, and his availability could significantly improve their chances in Birmingham against Aston Villa.
Despite the optimism, there remains an element of uncertainty. Kompany and the medical team will continue to monitor Kane’s progress closely in the lead-up to the match. His participation in the final training session is undoubtedly a positive step, but a final decision on whether he will start or feature off the bench will be made on match day. Bayern’s squad will fly to Birmingham on Tuesday afternoon, and Kompany is scheduled to speak at a press conference at 8:30 p.m., where he is expected to provide an update on Kane’s fitness and readiness for the match.
Kane’s experience against Aston Villa could play a crucial role if he is able to take part in the game. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, Kane faced Villa 13 times, scoring eight goals, making him a constant threat to the Premier League side. However, his last two encounters with Villa while playing for Spurs ended in defeat, a record he will be eager to improve upon if he is fit to play on Wednesday.
Bayern’s chances of success in the Champions League group stage depend heavily on maintaining momentum, and having their star striker available for such a pivotal match could make all the difference. While other players will need to step up in the absence of the injured trio, the potential return of Harry Kane offers a glimmer of hope for Bayern Munich as they prepare for a challenging fixture against a revitalized Aston Villa side. Fans will be eagerly awaiting Kompany’s press conference for further news, but for now, all signs are pointing to Kane being ready to make his mark once again on the European stage.