Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane is facing a race to be fit for the club’s blockbuster Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid after picking up an injury on international duty.
The England captain was forced to watch from the sidelines as his side lost 1-0 to Japan in Tuesday’s friendly at Wembley after injuring his ankle in training.
He had already been rested for the 1-1 draw with Uruguay earlier in the international window.
Now Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has revealed Kane will not be available for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash with Freiburg, though he hopes he will be able to travel to Spain.
Kompany said in a press conference: “Harry trained well until Sunday, then he felt something in his ankle while with the national team. That will have an impact on tomorrow's game - he won't be available.
“Nevertheless, I'm positive about Tuesday. It's not great, I'd like him to play against Freiburg, but as things stand today that won't be possible.”
Kane's 78 international goals make him a key member of Thomas Tuchel's side and England's bluntness during their two most recent fixtures simply served to highlight the importance of keeping him fit and in form ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
He has a staggering 53 goals to his name for club and country in 45 appearances to date this season, including 10 in the Champions League.
The German champions, who currently enjoy a nine-point advantage over second-placed Borussia Dortmund, will be keeping their fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
They are due to meet Madrid at the Bernabeu Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday before the return in Munich eight days later.
Additional reporting by PA
