FC Bayern faces a challenge in the DFB Cup against Bayer Leverkusen without star striker Harry Kane, who is sidelined due to a muscle fiber tear. Coach Vincent Kompany considers several players, including Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, and Serge Gnabry, as potential replacements, though none are traditional center forwards. Despite the difficulties, Kompany is optimistic about leveraging the team’s existing talent, affirming that Bayern won’t seek a transfer replacement for Kane, who is expected to return soon.
Harry Kane’s Injury: Who Will Step Up?
As FC Bayern prepares for the DFB Cup showdown against reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen, a critical question looms large: Who can fill the void left by Harry Kane’s injury? Coach Vincent Kompany has identified several potential players who could step into this key role.
Analyzing Bayern’s Options
In the upcoming round of 16 of the DFB Cup, league leaders FC Bayern will face off against title holders Bayer Leverkusen. Unfortunately for the Munich squad, they will be without their star striker, Harry Kane, who has suffered a muscle fiber tear during the recent match against Borussia Dortmund, which ended in a 1:1 draw.
Replacing Kane is no easy task, especially considering his impressive tally of 14 goals in just twelve league matches this season. Despite the challenge, Coach Kompany remains optimistic, stating, “We have many options.” He highlights players like Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala as viable alternatives, acknowledging that while they cannot replicate Kane’s scoring ability exactly, they still possess the potential to find the back of the net.
However, a key concern arises: none of these players, with the exception of Tel, are traditional center forwards like Kane. Müller, who replaced Kane in the match against Dortmund, struggled to make an impact and missed a crucial opportunity. Known for his ability to create space for teammates, Müller is not ideally suited to play as a central striker.
On the other hand, Mathys Tel made his first start of the season against BVB but failed to capitalize on the chance, as noted by sporting director Max Eberl. Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry has shown signs of returning to form with contributions in nine league games, although his participation in the Dortmund match was hampered by knee issues. Kompany remains hopeful, stating, “Let’s see, the last 24 hours still count.”
Jamal Musiala has also demonstrated his scoring prowess, netting ten goals in 17 competitive appearances. However, like the others, he does not fit the mold of a classic striker. One possible strategy for Kompany could involve playing without a designated center forward, a tactic previously employed by former coach Julian Nagelsmann when Robert Lewandowski was unavailable.
Finally, it’s clear that FC Bayern does not intend to seek a replacement for Kane in the transfer market. Kompany acknowledges the likelihood of Kane returning to action this year and emphasizes the team’s confidence in their current offensive lineup. Sporting director Christoph Freund echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction with the squad’s depth and indicating that pursuing a second player of Kane’s caliber would not be feasible or beneficial for the team’s structure.
As Bayern looks to navigate this challenge, the focus remains on maximizing the potential of their existing players while they prepare for the critical DFB Cup encounter.