Harry Kane included in Bayern squad for Champions League trip to Madrid
Harry Kane has been named in the Bayern Munich squad for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, despite recent injury concerns. The England captain, who missed Bayern's final Bundesliga match before the trip to Madrid, returned to team training on Monday and has been included in the travelling party for the crucial European tie.
Bayern Munich's board member for sport, Max Eberl, confirmed Kane's inclusion and the striker's determination to be available. 'He has done everything to be part of it and participated in the final training session,' Eberl stated. 'Whether Vinny (Kompany) plays him or not is his decision. But he is with the squad, and that gives a good feeling.'
Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur last summer for a fee in excess of €100 million, has been the standout performer in a difficult season for the German giants. The 30-year-old has scored 38 goals across all competitions, but has been managing an ankle injury in recent weeks that forced him to miss the 2-0 win over FC Koln at the weekend. His potential availability is a significant boost for the German side, who are without a win in their last eight Champions League matches against the 14-time European champions.
Ahead of the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Eberl also spoke about the magnitude of the fixture. 'Real Madrid vs. FC Bayern carries a special intensity. These are the two teams with the most wins in the Champions League,' he said. Despite a poor recent record against Real Madrid, Eberl expressed confidence in his side. 'The boys have put themselves in a position where we can travel there with confidence, alongside the humility that the Bernabeu and our opponent always demand.'
Kane's 39 goals in 37 games for Bayern this season make him their primary attacking threat, and his presence in the squad is a major boost for a team looking to overturn a difficult run of form in this fixture. Eberl expressed a healthy respect for the occasion, adding, 'We are looking forward to it, with a healthy sense of tension. It's about simply doing what we can - and we can do a lot. We've earned that trust.' The first leg of the Champions League semi-final first leg takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
