Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has expressed optimism that Harry Kane will be fit for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Celtic, despite the striker missing training ahead of the fixture.
Reports from German media suggest that Kane sustained a knock during Bayern’s intense 0-0 draw against Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
However, Kompany downplayed concerns about his condition, stating that a final decision would be made on the morning of the game.
“It’s nothing bad. We’ve just had very little time to recover, and sometimes you need an extra day,” Kompany told reporters on Monday. “We’ll see early tomorrow how he feels, but I assume it’s nothing too bad.”
Kane received treatment before halftime in the Leverkusen match following a collision with Piero Hincapie’s shoulder but was able to continue playing.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, said his team’s approach would remain unchanged regardless of Kane’s availability.
“It doesn’t change anything—we need to win the game,” Rodgers said. “If Harry didn’t play, that’s a big miss for them, but I’m pretty sure there’s another world-class player to come in and play.”
Kane scored in Bayern’s 2-1 win at Celtic Park last week in the first leg of the knockout phase play-off tie.
Bayern, who have not lost at home in the Champions League since April 2021, will look to maintain their dominance at the Allianz Arena.
Midfielder Jamal Musiala brushed aside concerns over Bayern’s short turnaround time between matches, insisting the squad was ready.
“None of us want to have excuses. We’re using the days to prepare well for the game—then we have to give it our all. We’re fresh and will give it everything tomorrow,” said Musiala.
Rodgers acknowledged that the gap between Celtic and Europe’s elite clubs had grown over the years but urged his team to rise to the occasion against the six-time European champions.
“At this level, you have to play without any fear,” he said. “There are worse things in life than losing a game of football, so we want to ensure at the end of the game we’ve given it absolutely everything.
“We’re not favourites, but anything is possible.”
