Harry Kane says Bayern Munich’s injury-hit squad has grown stronger together

Harry Kane says Bayern Munich have emerged from a difficult week with a greater sense of unity as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid without several key players and coach Vincent Kompany.

Bayern travel to Atletico for their Champions League match on Tuesday with a number of important players unavailable. Kane, however, believes the disruption has brought the squad closer and left them determined to maintain their focus.

The England striker’s personal celebration of winning the Ballon d’Or was followed three days later by a worrying incident involving Kompany. The Bayern coach collapsed during a training session and was taken to hospital, where he was diagnosed with meningeal irritation.

Kompany has since been discharged, but is expected to remain absent from the team for some time.

Bayern’s problems increased during Saturday’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Borussia Dortmund. Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry both suffered injuries, while Saibari will require surgery. Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz are also still unavailable as they continue their recoveries.

Kane described the period as an emotional rollercoaster, with the team having to respond to a series of setbacks alongside his own personal success.

“It was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions on every end,” Kane told reporters before the match against Atletico.

“A big high for me personally last week, some lows with the boss and the injuries. A lot of extremes. We had to deal with that, and it brought us closer together.”

Kane missed a penalty and struck the post against Dortmund in his first appearance since winning the Ballon d’Or. Despite that frustrating return, the striker said Bayern’s current circumstances could give other members of the squad the chance to establish themselves.

“For now it is fight for every moment. We are missing some key players and our coach but it gives everyone an opportunity to prove themselves in this team,” he said.

The forward acknowledged that Bayern face a demanding spell while operating without several influential figures. He said the team would need to keep competing for every moment despite the absences.

Bayern hope to have some of their injured players back after the international break later in November.

Kane also offered a positive update regarding his own future at the club. He said he was “extremely close” to reaching an agreement on a contract extension with the German champions.