Kane back in training as Der Klassiker approaches
With Der Klassiker between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund fast approaching, Bayern goal-machine Harry Kane was back in training after missing out on leading England in two friendlies last week.
Kane, who has broken all sorts of scoring records in his first season in the Bundesliga, appears to have recovered from an ankle injury he received in a league game two weeks ago, which ruled him out of England's loss 0-1 against Brazil and the 2-2 draw with Belgium.
The England captain, who joined for a Bundesliga record €100 million ($165.8 million) from Tottenham Hotspur in search of trophies, has already netted 31 times in the league and looks set to return against Dortmund as Bayern tries to chase down runaway league leader Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, however, is unlikely to be fit in time after picking up an adductor muscle injury while training with the Germany squad.
He completed an individual training session on Thursday (AEDT), along with teenager Aleksandar Pavlovic, who missed the Germany matches with tonsillitis.
Der Klassiker will not, for a change, be about controlling the title race or taking over the top spot in the Bundesliga.
The two teams have won the past 14 German top flight titles between them, but this season both sides are trying to save their domestic seasons.
Bayern, which is 10 behind Leverkusen, has not yet given up on a record-extending 12th successive league crown, but no Bundesliga club has ever made up such a deficit at this stage of the season.
Coach Thomas Tuchel is also struggling with injuries.
Dortmund, meanwhile, is at risk of missing out on a top four finish which would guarantee automatic qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.
It is currently fourth on 50 points, but just one point ahead of RB Leipzig, which takes on Mainz this weekend.
Dortmund has its own absentee list to deal with also, with first-choice keeper Gregor Kobel ill and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer suspended.
Stuttgart, in third place on 56, faces Heidenheim, while Leverkusen, still remarkably unbeaten across all competitions this season, will host Hoffenheim.
