Is Harry Kane's 2024 over? Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany shares hopeful update on injured 20-goal striker as he admits England captain is 'irreplaceable'

England international Kane lasted just 33 minutes of Bayern’s Klassiker clash with Borussia Dortmund before being forced from the field. He appeared to be nursing a hamstring complaint, but Kompany told reporters afterwards that the problem was “not that bad”.

While an extended spell on the sidelines appears to have been ruled out, Bayern are unable to put a definitive timescale on Kane’s recovery. Speaking on Monday, Kompany said when asked if Kane will figure again before the winter break in German football: “It's difficult to predict, but there's a possibility that he'll still play this year. However, he'll miss a few games first. You can't replace him like-for-like. He's a top player, but we'll find another solution to this situation.”

Kane has hit 20 goals for Bayern this season, through just 19 appearances in all competitions, with that impressive haul including four hat-tricks. He will be a big miss if forced to sit out the odd game, but Bayern boast enough strength in depth to cover any absences.

Kompany added on coping without Kane: “We have a lot of options: Thomas Muller, Mathys Tel, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Leroy Sane. Harry has already scored 20 goals this season and you can't replace that, but we have players who can score goals and fill the role, even if we can't make up the goals with a like-for-like replacement.”

Bayern will be back in action when facing Bundesliga title holders Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday. They have three top-flight fixtures and one in the Champions League to take in before domestic action in Germany pauses until mid-January for the winter break.