Bayern Wait on Kane Fitness Before Real Madrid Clash

Bayern Munich will leave it until the last moment before deciding whether Harry Kane can start against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, with the England captain’s fitness still under close watch.

Kane, 32, trained with Bayern in Munich on Monday morning before travelling to Madrid with the squad. The striker has been managing what has been described as a “minor issue”, believed to be an ankle knock, which also ruled him out of England’s friendly defeat against Japan at Wembley.

He was absent again when Bayern edged Freiburg 3-2, and coach Vincent Kompany gave little away when asked about Kane’s chances of starting at the Bernabeu.

Speaking on Monday evening, Kompany said: “Harry’s part of the team so that’s positive for us. We have to wait until tomorrow (Tuesday) to get the final information, then we will make our decision.

“It was important that he did a lot of training today (Monday). I don’t think he’s lost his rhythm.”

That will be encouraging news for Bayern, who rely heavily on Kane’s goals and influence. He has scored 10 times in the Champions League this season and leads the Bundesliga scoring chart with 31 goals.

Team-mate Joshua Kimmich made it clear just how much Kane means to Bayern’s hopes. He said: “How many goals has he scored? How many assists does he have? Forty or 50 this season?

“This shows how important he is – apart from all the goals – extremely vital for our game.

“We are glad he is here with us. He is not only a poacher or a selfish goalscorer just trying to score as many goals as he can for us.

“He is an absolute leader who is always trying to have the maximum success for the team. This is a very special mindset for an attacking player. He’s a role model.”

Kimmich also stressed the value of Kane’s presence beyond his finishing, adding: “It is important to have Harry on the pitch with us with all his qualities of leadership.”

For now, though, Bayern are holding back from making any firm promises. Kompany, repeatedly pressed on the striker’s condition, stayed cautious.

“Harry Kane knows how important this game is, but it is important to take a decision with each player,” he said.

“You keep asking about Harry Kane and to be honest I like it. I don’t mind but I don’t give you an answer.”

That answer, and Bayern’s final call on their star forward, will come on Tuesday.