The return of forwards Harry Kane and Kingsley Coman has boosted Bayern Munich ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund today.
However, manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is still sidelined with injury.
England captain Kane was ruled out of his country’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium after picking up an ankle injury during Bayern’s 5-2 win in Darmstadt. Meanwhile, a tear in Frenchman Koeman’s left knee kept him out of action for two months.
Additionally, Neuer suffered a muscle strain in his left abductor during training with the German national team last week.
Defending champions Bayern, 10 points behind Bundesliga table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen, host fourth-placed Dortmund on Saturday before traveling to Heidenheim on April 6. They will also travel to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 9.
Harry trained fully with the team yesterday and stepped things up every day. It’s all right, he’ll play,” Tuchel told reporters on Friday.
“King (Koeman) is a big factor for us and he will be back in the matchday squad. Serge Gnabry is also back. Both are very important for us. The options in front of us are getting bigger and the competition for places is promising. That the quality will improve.
“Neuer is out. Alex Pavlovic is unfortunately unavailable. Rafael Guerrero is also not back yet. And Sacha Boy got injured during the week. Those four are out.”
Tuchel added that Neuer could return against Heidenheim.
“It has nothing to do with the risk. The pain is too much. We hope one week is enough and he will score against Heidenheim,” the German said.
Tuchel, who managed Dortmund from 2015-2017, admitted that a close clash between Bayern and his former team is expected.
“It’s an emotional game, an important Bundesliga game with a great rivalry and history,” he said.
“I’m expecting an opponent who wants to win. Dortmund is very good in attack, very flexible in front. They want to take the ball. It will be an open game.
“Good mood and atmosphere. In recent games, we have been very good in attack. We want to win.”
