Kompany hoping for Kane return

MUNICH: Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said Monday he hopes injured star striker Harry Kane will return to the pitch before the end of the year.

"There´s a chance he´ll play again this year," Kompany told a press conference on the eve of Bayern´s German Cup last 16 clash against holders Bayer Leverkusen. The 31-year-old forward pulled up with a hamstring tear during Saturday´s 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Borussia Dortmund and will miss "a few games", Kompany said.

The Bundesliga leaders have five games before the end-of-year break including a Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk. England captain Kane has been a key player for Bayern with 20 goals in all competitions since the start of the season.

"You can´t replace him one-to-one. He´s a top player. But we´ll solve things different. There will be no lack of talent tomorrow," said Kompany. "We have several options -- Thomas Mueller, Mathys Tel, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Leroy Sane. Maybe not Kingsley Coman in that position. "Harry has scored 20 goals. You can´t replace that. But we have players who score goals, including Jamal (Musiala)."