Harry Kane set to play for Bayern in the opening match against Real Madrid.
MADRID — Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane participated in training on Monday and is anticipated to be fit for the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Kane was absent from the Bundesliga victory over Freiburg on Saturday due to a minor ankle injury sustained during training with the England national team last week. He did not feature in either of England’s friendly matches during the March international window, which included a 1-1 draw against Uruguay and a 1-0 defeat to Japan.
He engaged in training in Munich prior to the team’s journey to the Spanish capital for the match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany indicated that he will make a decision regarding Kane’s participation on the day of the match.
“It was crucial that he completed a lot of training today,” Kompany stated. “I don’t believe he has lost his rhythm. We’ll wait until tomorrow and then make a decision.”
“We have an excellent squad and are prepared for the two legs.”
Real Madrid forward VinΓcius JΓΊnior commended Kane during a media session on Monday ahead of the encounter.
“He is a goalscorer. He is an outstanding player,” VinΓcius remarked. “However, Bayern is a formidable team with many players who interchange positions, making it challenging for us. Whoever plays, it will be difficult.”
Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich emphasized Kane’s significance to the team.
“He’s not merely a finisher. He’s a true leader, a role model. He possesses a unique mindset for an attacking player,” Kimmich noted. “If he plays, his leadership attributes will be vital.”
Bayern advanced past Atalanta in the round of 16, while Madrid overcame Manchester City.
“We’ve prepared for Real and we’ve analyzed their performance against Man City,” Kompany mentioned. “It’s arguably the toughest away match you can face, but we aim to win.”
Madrid and Bayern are clashing in the knockout stage for the sixth time in the last 14 seasons. Madrid has triumphed in four of the two-legged encounters with Bayern since the 2011-12 season; once in the quarterfinals and three times in the semifinals, the latest being in 2024.
Bayern secured victory in the 2012 semifinals following a penalty shootout.
“Bayern is an incredible team,” Madrid coach Γlvaro Arbeloa remarked. “We hold them in high regard. They are having an outstanding season. Bayern has been the most consistent team in Europe this season. They are fearless, aggressive, and very focused defensively, with an exceptional striker in Harry Kane.”
Bayern remains unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions, achieving 11 victories, while Madrid is coming off a 2-1 defeat at Mallorca on Saturday, which has impacted their LaLiga title aspirations.
“We do not contemplate not winning the tie; there is only one possible outcome, which is to defeat Bayern and progress in the tie,” Arbeloa stated. “That is our sole focus and belief.”
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
