Kane misses Bayern training ahead of Celtic match
Champions League play-off, second match: Bayern Munich vs. Celtic (2-1)
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich Date: Tuesday 18 March Start Time: 20:00 GMT
Coverage: Commentary on Radio Scotland and Radio 5 Live, along with text updates available on the BBC Sport website and app.
Harry Kane did not participate in training with Bayern Munich ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Celtic, but head coach Vincent Kompany mentioned that the striker’s facial injury is “not serious.”
The England captain sustained a hit in Saturday’s scoreless tie against Bayer Leverkusen, but he played the entire game.
The 31-year-old netted at Celtic Park last week while the Bundesliga leaders departed Glasgow with a 2-1 win.
“It’s not particularly serious, but we haven’t had ample time to recuperate,” Kompany explained. “Tomorrow morning we’ll check on his feelings, but I believe it’s nothing serious.”
Kane has scored 29 goals in 30 matches for Bayern this season.
Joao Palhinha and Alphonso Davies were absent for the first leg, and neither is anticipated to be back in time for the hosts, who have gone 20 Champions League home matches without a loss.
“As usual, we begin with complete enthusiasm,” added Kompany. “We are incredibly formidable at home; it’s a unique venue for us and our supporters.”
“Facing teams that are accustomed to dominating and scoring numerous goals is always risky, as Celtic demonstrated that day.” I believed we managed it effectively, but the second leg of this matchup is yet to be contested.
Chance of home final motivates Bayern forward
Liam McLeod, match commentator for BBC Sport Scotland
Bayern has faced difficulties away from home in the Champions League lately. They had managed to win just once in seven visits prior to defeating Celtic.
In this competition at home, the situation is different, as they have not lost since falling 3-2 to a Kylian Mbappe-led Paris Saint Germain in April 2021.
That loss is their sole home defeat in the Champions League in nearly six years.
Vincent Kompany has faced local criticism after the draw against title contenders Bayer Leverkusen, as his team was outperformed for a significant portion of the match against the reigning champions, who are the only team to have won at the Allianz Arena this season.
However, they are eight points ahead and strong favorites to clinch a last 16 matchup against Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid when the draw occurs on Friday.
Bayern faces pressure to advance to the final since it is being held in Munich.
Raising the iconic trophy for a seventh occasion in their home city would be even more significant, and Kompany alongside his players is aware of this.
