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Vincent Kompany's Dilemma: Waiting on Harry Kane's Green Light to Revamp Bayern Munich's Starting XI

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is on the edge as Harry Kane nears a return to the starting line-up after a week of training. Despite a boost in Kane's availability, Bayern faces challenges with triple injury setbacks post their European matches.

Vincent Kompany's Dilemma: Waiting on Harry Kane's Green Light to Revamp Bayern Munich's Starting XI

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has revealed that Harry Kane is poised for a return to the starting line-up following a full week of training. While the England captain's availability provides a significant boost, the German giants are currently navigating a triple injury blow sustained during their midweek European exploits. Kompany has expressed relief that the setbacks affecting his key stars are not long-term as the club enter a crucial run of fixtures.The most significant boost for Bayern ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga game against Bayer Leverkusen is Kane's return to fitness. The striker has completed a full week of training without incident following a period on the sidelines. His return comes at an important time for Kompany, who wants to keep the team's momentum. While Bayern have been scoring freely, with 10 goals in the two games he has missed, the return of their talismanic number nine adds a new dimension to an attack that is currently missing several other key creative outlets due to fresh injuries.At his pre-match press conference, Kompany made it clear that the final decision on Kane's participation rests with the player himself. "If Harry gives the signal that he can play, then he will," the Bayern coach said.The former Manchester City defender also discussed the team's overall fitness issues, as Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala and Jonas Urbig were all injured in the previous match. He commented, "It could have been worse. These aren't long-term injuries; it's just frustrating for the lads because they'd love to be there. You can be as professional as you want, but you also have to respect the fact that the body doesn't always react the way you want it to."With goalkeeper Urbig, who suffered a concussion, ruled out, Manuel Neuer still recovering from a calf issue and Hiroki Ito out with a torn muscle fibre, the squad is stretched. Kompany confirmed that Urbig is expected to resume training "hopefully sometime next week", meaning third choice shot stopper Sven Ulreich will start for the first time this season. Meanwhile, Musiala will "perhaps be able to return early next week". For Davies, Kompany noted: "The international week will help us with Phonzy."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingUlreich will be in the spotlight in one of the biggest games of the season when Bayern travel to Leverkusen on Saturday. With the international break looming, Kompany's priority is to get through this difficult period without further damage to squad morale or their league position. Following the Leverkusen match, Ulreich may remain in goal for the second leg against Atalanta if Urbig is deemed not fit to feature. The medical team will then use the two-week international break to ensure Neuer is ready for the club's intensive schedule in April.

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Harry Kane's Impending Return

Vincent Kompany is relieved as star striker Harry Kane gears up for a comeback following a fruitful week of training. Kane's presence is vital as Bayern aims to maintain their winning momentum, against Bayer Leverkusen in the upcoming Bundesliga clash.

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Injury Woes Plague Bayern

Bayern Munich faces a tough spell with injuries to key players like Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, and Jonas Urbig. Although Kompany assures that the injuries aren't long-term, the squad is stretched thin, affecting key positions like goalkeeper and creativity in the midfield.

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The Squad's Resilience Test

With a looming international break and a demanding schedule ahead, Bayern must weather the storm and retain their position at the top. Sven Ulreich steps up in Urbig's absence, while the team awaits the return of injured players like Musiala and Davies to bolster their lineup.

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Kompany's Strategy Going Forward

Vincent Kompany must carefully balance squad rotation, player recovery, and tactical adjustments in the absence of key personnel. With a strategic approach to the Leverkusen game and the upcoming fixtures, Bayern aims to navigate this challenging period without jeopardizing their title aspirations.

Published on Mar 13, 2026