Bayern Munich have announced a “positive development” in Harry Kane’s recovery from an ankle injury the England striker suffered against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
Kane was substituted after 86 minutes in the 1-1 draw, limping off the pitch obviously in pain, but Bayern are hopeful he will be fit to face Aston Villa in Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
The 31-year-old has scored 10 goals and assisted five more in just seven games this season under Vincent Kompany ahead of Villa’s first European home game of the season.
Against Leverkusen, Robert Andrich and Aleksandar Pavlovic’s long-range strikes cancelled each other out as last season’s champions produced a phenomenally resolute defensive performance.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl had said Kane’s injury “doesn’t look good”, but internal tests have revealed a better prognosis than initially expected.
Eberl said: “If Harry goes off the pitch, then it’s something. Now I hope he’s made of sturdy English wood.”
And in a statement released on Sunday morning, the Bundesliga club said: “Harry Kane suffered a painful blow to his ankle against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
“Examinations by FC Bayern’s medical department on Sunday revealed a positive development.
“Kane continues to receive intensive treatment.”
Bayern are top of the Bundesliga having won all four of their league games before Saturday and also top the Champions League table after a 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb in their competition opener.
Meanwhile Villa are fourth after a 3-0 win over Young Boys in Bern, their first Champions League or European Cup tie in 41 years.
Their other league phase matches are against Bologna, Club Brugge, Juventus, RB Leipzig, Monaco and Celtic, a run of games they will believe they can take advantage of to reach the play-offs or last 16.
Kane’s absence would have a massive impact on the Villa clash, particularly because Bayern lack an obvious direct replacement, with 19-year-old Mathys Tel the only other striker in Kompany’s squad.
Kane said after the game: “It was painful, but it’s not too bad.
“We’ll investigate it further tomorrow, but I expect that I’ll be able to play against Aston Villa.”
