Harry Kane returns to Bayern training ahead of Real Madrid clash
Harry Kane has returned to full team training with Bayern Munich, boosting his chances of featuring in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid. The England captain had been sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during the recent international break, which forced him to miss Bayern's Bundesliga victory over SC Freiburg on Saturday.
According to Sky Germany, there is cautious optimism within the club that Kane could start the crucial match at the Santiago Bernabéu. Both head coach Vincent Kompany and sporting board member Max Eberl had expressed confidence over the weekend that the striker would be fit in time for the fixture. Kane's participation in Monday's final training session, which included all senior players except third-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, is seen as a significant positive step.
The potential return of their record-signing striker is a major relief for Bayern as they face the 14-time European champions. Kane has been in prolific form since his move from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, scoring 37 goals across all competitions. His presence is considered vital for Bayern's hopes of progressing in the competition, especially after a domestic campaign where they surrendered the Bundesliga title for the first time in over a decade.
Kane's injury scare came at an inopportune moment, with the striker having been a rare consistent performer in a turbulent season for the German giants. His absence against Freiburg was notable, with the team relying on goals from Mathys Tel and a late winner from Christian Günter, an opposition own goal, to secure three points. The clash with Real Madrid represents one of the season's defining moments, with Bayern seeking to salvage their campaign by pursuing Champions League glory.
The fixture pits two of European football's historic heavyweights against each other, with Kane's expected involvement adding a key narrative. His battle with Real Madrid's defensive line, potentially including England teammate Jude Bellingham in a midfield role, will be closely watched. For Kane, the tie also offers a chance to make a decisive impact on the continental stage, a platform he rarely had consistent access to during his long tenure in North London.
Bayern will finalise their team selection ahead of the 21:00 CET kick-off in Madrid. Kane's return to full training suggests he has successfully overcome the ankle issue, though a final decision on his involvement from the start will likely be made after a late fitness assessment. His availability provides Kompany with his most potent attacking option as Bayern look to secure a positive result away from home.
