Harry Kane's comeback, loan moves and keeper hunt at Bayern Munich

Kane, sidelined with a hamstring strain since the match against Borussia Dortmund, rejoined team training on Monday, signaling his potential availability for Friday's game. "Kane looks in line to make his return," noted Bild, highlighting the England captain's recovery progress.

Alongside Kane, left-back Alphonso Davies, who has been out with a similar injury since the victory over Heidenheim, was also back in training. However, Davies' participation was limited, making his availability against Leipzig less certain.

In addition to the injury news, Bayern Munich are contemplating the future of their young talents.

According to Kicker, the club are considering loan moves for Mathys Tel and Adam Aznou in the January transfer window. Tel, who has not scored in 343 minutes across 11 appearances this season, has been linked with clubs like Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, Villarreal, and Lazio. Despite his desire to stay and fight for his place, a loan could be beneficial for his development.

Similarly, the 18-year-old Aznou, with only two substitute appearances to his name this season, might see his chances shrink further with the recovery of Josip Stanisic and Hiroki Ito.

On the goalkeeper front, Bayern Munich continue to eye FC Koln's Jonas Urbig as a long-term replacement for the aging Manuel Neuer. With Neuer's contract set to extend until 2026, when he might retire, the club are planning ahead.

Urbig, a 21-year-old Germany U-21 international, is "high up" on Bayern's list for a summer move, aiming to groom him as Neuer's successor. This comes at a time when current backup options like Alexander Nubel, returning from Stuttgart, are not seen as definitive number one material, and with Daniel Peretz stepping up due to Neuer's recent rib injury and Sven Ulreich's personal unavailability.

This trio of developments show Bayern Munich's strategic approach both on and off the pitch as they look to end 2024 on a high note, manage their squad's depth, and plan for the future.

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