FC Bayern will be without their main goalscorer for the Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach as Harry Kane is ruled out at short notice, forcing coach Vincent Kompany to make a change in his attacking line-up
The Englishman is suffering from a calf injury. „Harry got a knock on his calf and hasn’t recovered yet,“ explained Kompany at the pre-match press conference. At the same time, the Bayern coach gave the all-clear: „Nothing serious for the near future.“
Kane should therefore be available again for the Champions League round of 16 against Atalanta Bergamo, but the record champions will have to make do without their top scorer against Gladbach
Nicolas Jackson the obvious solution
On paper, Nicolas Jackson would be the most logical option. The Senegalese was signed last summer precisely for situations like this – as a backup for Kane
However, the 24-year-old has hardly played a role of late. Since the beginning of December, Jackson has only managed more than 22 minutes of action on two occasions. Following his appearance at the Africa Cup in January, he has struggled to find his rhythm again under Kompany
Jackson has also been less than convincing so far, particularly in combination play, while his strengths in transitional play have rarely come to the fore in Bayern’s dominant possession style
Nevertheless, he could get another chance against Gladbach
Gnabry, Musiala or Díaz as alternatives
Should Kompany not opt for Jackson, he would have to switch to a solution from another position
One option would be Serge Gnabry, an international who has already been deployed as Kane’s deputy on occasion in the past. Gnabry is strong in combination play and can often drop back to link up the attacking play
Jamal Musiala would also be an option. The 23-year-old has played as a so-called „false nine“ on several occasions in the past. Against deep-lying opponents, his close ball control could help to open up spaces for the wingers
Another option would be Luis Díaz. The Colombian has already played in the center forward position at times for Liverpool and has collected some good statistics in this position. Nevertheless, he is considered to be much stronger on the wing
Opportunity for Lennart Karl?
Bayern youngster Lennart Karl could also play a role again due to possible changes. The 18-year-old has not featured in two games in a row recently
However, coach Vincent Kompany recently emphasized that he still has great faith in the young attacking player
Given his comfortable lead in the Bundesliga, Karl could now have the opportunity to get more playing time
One thing is certain: the absence of Harry Kane has left FC Bayern with unfamiliar personnel issues in the forward line, while the Gladbach game will allow Kompany to try out new options in attack – before things get serious again a few days later in the Champions League against Atalanta Bergamo.