(Reuters) – Bayern Munich have received a positive update as forwards Harry Kane and Kingsley Coman are set to return for their Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund, although goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains sidelined due to injury, according to manager Thomas Tuchel.
Kane, the captain of the England national team, missed recent friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium due to an ankle injury sustained in Bayern’s victory over Darmstadt. Coman, on the other hand, has been absent for two months after injuring a ligament in his left knee.
However, Bayern’s captain Neuer will not be available for selection as he continues to recover from a muscle strain in his left adductor that he suffered while training with the German national team.
The reigning Bundesliga champions, currently trailing league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points, are set to face Dortmund on Saturday and then visit Heidenheim on April 6 before their Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal on April 9.
“Harry trained with the team fully and has progressed each day. He is ready to play,” Tuchel informed reporters ahead of the game.
“King (Coman) is a crucial player for us and will be back in the squad for the game. Serge Gnabry has also returned, which adds to our attacking options. The competition for places should increase the overall quality of the team.”
Tuchel also stated that Neuer, Aleks Pavlovic, Raphael Guerreiro, and Sacha Boey will be unavailable for the upcoming matches, with the hope that Neuer will be fit to return against Heidenheim.
“It’s not about taking risks with Neuer. The pain he is experiencing is significant. We are optimistic that he will be back in goal for the game against Heidenheim after a week of recovery,” the German coach explained.
Having previously managed Dortmund from 2015 to 2017, Tuchel anticipates a competitive encounter between Bayern and his former club.
“This is a highly emotional and important fixture in the Bundesliga featuring two teams with a storied rivalry and history,” Tuchel remarked.
“I anticipate a tough challenge from Dortmund, who possess a strong attacking mindset and are versatile upfront. They are a team that seeks to dominate possession. It promises to be an open and exciting game.”
“The team has been in good form offensively in recent matches. Our objective is to secure a victory,” Tuchel concluded.
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
