Kompany still leaves it open whether Harry Kane will be back in the starting line-up against Leipzig. Two other returnees are also expected there.
Good news for FC Bayern: The record champions can again rely on star striker Harry Kane in the annual final. The striker has recovered from a small torn muscle fiber in his thigh and will be back in the squad for the final home game on Friday (from 8:30 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online). Head coach Vincent Kompany revealed this on Thursday at his final press conference.
However, Kompany didn’t really let himself be seen in his cards when playing line-up poker with Kane. “I won’t say whether he’ll start or not. The final training session is still important today. If everything goes well, he’ll definitely play a role tomorrow.”
However, one can assume that Kompany will do everything in his power to put Kane in the starting line-up if possible, provided his health allows it. Bayern urgently need their center forward, who they have sorely missed in recent games, in the top game against Leipzig.
Kane sustained the injury in the Bundesliga classic at Borussia Dortmund (1-1). He therefore missed the cup duel with Bayer Leverkusen (0:1), the league games against 1. FC Heidenheim (4:2) and in Mainz as well as the Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk (5:1). In Kane’s absence and without a real center forward on the pitch, Bayern struggled overall.
“We said before that we can’t replace Harry Kane one-on-one. Harry has this incredible feeling about where he needs to be in the box,” said Kompany. “He also helped us a lot in defense. He’s one of the best in the world in the penalty area – that’s where he makes the difference. There aren’t many players who can do that.” Kane should now take on this role again against Leipzig – and if possible from the start.
Kompany can also look forward to more returnees. Full-back Alphonso Davies has also recovered from a torn muscle fiber and is available again. Defense chief Dayot Upamecano is ready again after his break in Mainz. Both can be expected to return to the starting eleven.
But Konrad Laimer is wobbling – for good reasons. The Austrian will soon be a father and was already missing from training on Thursday. His willingness to play is therefore unclear; Raphaël Guerreiro would be the first alternative.
According to Kompany, Serge Gnabry, who was sidelined due to knee problems, should also at least be in the squad. The national player is more likely to be a joker.
“It was good to have some players back in training,” said Kompany. “More players will join us on January 2nd. That’s why the break now is a very good thing.” Captain Manuel Neuer (broken rib), Hiroki Itō (retraining after metatarsal fracture), Jōsip Stanišić (retraining) and Kingsley Coman (retraining after torn muscle fiber) will be missing from the home game against Leipzig.
Here’s how you could play:
FC Bayern: Peretz – Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies – Kimmich, Pavlović – Olise, Musiala, Sané – Kane
Leipzig: Gulácsi – Henrichs, Seiwald, Orban, Geertruida – Vermeeren, Schlager – Baumgartner, Nusa – Openda, Šeško