Bayern's Kane to miss Gladbach game but could return v Atalanta — and more

Bayern Munich will be without star striker Harry Kane for the first time in the Bundesliga this season on Friday but coach Vincent Kompany expects him to return for the Champions League next week.

Kompany said that league top scorer Kane would miss the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach with a calf problem which he however considers not to be too serious.

Harry Kane is out. He got a knock on his calf and hasn't recovered yet. It's just a knock, it's nothing serious for the time being, but we'd need maybe another a day for him to be involved," Kompany told a news conference on Thursday.

"Of course we would have liked Harry to be involved, but these things happen."

Kane has scored 30 Bundesliga goals this season, including a brace in each of his last four games. He is chasing Robert Lewandowski's league record 41 season goals and due to missing Friday's game will have nine games left to reach it.

Kompany said he doesn't expect Kane to miss Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg match at Italy's Atalanta as well.

"I don't think so. You can see my body language, I am pretty relaxed," Kompany said.

The coach added that Kane's absence opens the door for others to shine on Friday.

"The lads who are involved tomorrow against Gladbach are really looking forward to it. If Harry isn't involved, some of the lads are hoping they can get their moment," he said.

Defenders Hiroki Ito and Alphonso Davies are also out but captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returns from a calf muscle injury, with Kompany simply saying: "He is fit."

Liverpool Eye Khéphren Thuram as Midfield Reinforcement Ahead of Summer Window

Liverpool’s recruitment team are already shaping plans for the upcoming summer transfer window, and one name gathering increasing attention is Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram. According to reporting by CaughtOffside, the Reds are among several Premier League clubs monitoring the French international as they consider midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.

The report states that “Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram is expected to be one of the most closely watched players in the upcoming summer transfer window, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation in Turin.” That level of interest reflects how far the 24 year old has developed since arriving in Italy.

Liverpool’s admiration appears particularly significant, with the club exploring the possibility of submitting a structured proposal to tempt Juventus into negotiations.

Liverpool Interest in Thuram Intensifies

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has been an ongoing process over the last two seasons, and Thuram’s profile fits many of the qualities the club value. As noted in the original report, “Liverpool are believed to be particularly interested in adding more physical presence and ball-winning ability to their midfield.”

Photo: IMAGO

The France international offers precisely that blend. Thuram has become known for his athleticism, powerful ball carrying and ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking phases. His physical profile would add another dimension to Liverpool’s current options.

Sources cited by CaughtOffside suggest Liverpool could explore “a package worth around €45 million plus bonuses” in an attempt to bring the midfielder to Anfield. Whether that figure would satisfy Juventus remains uncertain, especially considering the Italian club reportedly value him between €65 million and €75 million.

Still, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has often focused on players entering their peak years. Thuram fits that model perfectly.

Growing Reputation in Turin

Since joining Juventus, Thuram has steadily grown into a central figure within their midfield structure. The report explains that he has “grown significantly since arriving in Italy, developing into one of Europe’s most coveted box-to-box midfielders thanks to his physical dominance and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.”

His versatility also strengthens his appeal. Thuram can operate deeper to protect the defence, function as a traditional box to box midfielder, or surge forward during attacking transitions.

That adaptability has helped him feature heavily this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions.

One scout quoted within recruitment circles recently described him as “a modern midfield engine, someone capable of carrying the ball through pressure and still recovering defensively.”

Premier League Competition Emerging

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. The CaughtOffside report confirms that “Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal are among the Premier League sides assessing Thuram as a potential target.”

Manchester United’s interest is linked to long term midfield planning, particularly as they consider life after Casemiro. Arsenal’s approach appears more cautious, though their recruitment team reportedly appreciate Thuram’s ability to operate in high tempo systems.

Despite the growing interest, Juventus remain in a strong position. Thuram is contracted until 2029, meaning the Serie A club control negotiations and can demand a premium fee.

That reality means any Premier League suitor, Liverpool included, would need to present a compelling financial package to test Juventus’ resolve.

Transfer Battle Could Define Summer Window

With several English clubs circling, Thuram could become one of the defining midfield stories of the summer. His blend of physicality, tactical maturity and technical ability fits the demands of the modern Premier League.

For Liverpool, the pursuit appears aligned with a clear objective. Strengthening midfield depth with players capable of dominating transitions remains a priority.

If the reported interest develops into formal negotiations, Anfield could soon emerge as a serious destination for one of Europe’s most sought after midfielders.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the link with Khéphren Thuram is genuinely exciting. This squad still feels like it is searching for the perfect balance in midfield, particularly after the huge investment made last summer. Arne Slot delivered a remarkable Premier League title in his first season, yet the current campaign has shown there is still work to do.

Liverpool sit sixth with nine matches remaining, and one recurring issue has been control in the middle of the pitch. Thuram could help solve that.

His physical presence alone would add something different. Liverpool have technical midfielders and energetic runners, but a powerful ball carrier who can break lines through strength and stride length would give Slot another tactical weapon. Watching Thuram drive forward from deep positions in Serie A, you can easily imagine him doing the same at Anfield with runners ahead of him.

Another appealing aspect is his age profile. At 24, he is entering his prime years. Liverpool’s recruitment strategy often targets players at this stage so they can develop further within the system.

Competition from Manchester United and Arsenal makes the situation complicated, but Liverpool should absolutely be pushing hard for this signing. If the reported €45 million plus bonuses offer is real, it feels like a sensible starting point.

Supporters will hope the club follow through. Thuram looks like a player capable of transforming the midfield dynamic, and Anfield would welcome that energy immediately.

Bad news for Roma on the injury front. Hermoso has thrown in the towel and will be unavailable for the away match against Genoa.

According to Il Tempo, the Spanish defender had hoped to return to the squad this week, but the pain in his iliopsoas hasn’t completely disappeared.

Even in the last session, Hermoso performed individualized work, a sign that his recovery isn’t yet complete.

The Giallorossi medical staff has therefore decided not to take any risks, postponing his return until next week, when the defender will be able to attempt to return to training with the rest of the team.

After five defeats in six, they had dropped to 13th in the table amid fears of them missing out on a European-placed finish. But Eddie Howe and his players responded valiantly.