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."

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain on the F1 calendar for 2026, but the status of both events is still in question. With time running out, F1 needs to decide soon if those races will go ahead as planned.

This year’s season begins with the Australian Grand Prix returning as the opening race, followed by a trip to China before teams head to Suzuka. But before then, a decision is expected on whether Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will remain part of the schedule.

There has been talk about Japan potentially hosting back-to-back races, which would put extra pressure on Aston Martin and Honda if their underperforming power units have to go through two races in front of local fans.

What happens to F1 if Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix don’t go ahead?

Adam Williams weighed in on the issue, saying: “F1 and the event organisers will be covered for this eventuality to an extent, I’d have thought. There was a lot of debate about what was and wasn’t covered in insurance agreements when the pandemic hit, so it’s a nuanced question.

“Many agreements have a ‘war exclusion’ clause, but I’d expect that, given their geography, the organisers of the Bahrain and Jeddah races would have seen this as a material risk, so would have paid for war cover. Without seeing the contracts, we can’t say for sure, however. Either way, even if they do have cover, you’re going to get back some of the money you’d have made in revenue if the race had gone ahead, but not all of it.

“And matters are complicated by the commercial structure of Formula 1 – there could be different layers of loss and insurance at the local level, for broadcasters and sponsors, and for F1 itself. Also, would F1 cancel the races altogether, replace them or suspend them? That’s another factor.

“There is something of a precedent in the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix being cancelled because of the Arab Spring… but that was resolved commercially and politically rather than through insurers,” Williams continued.

“I appreciate there are a lot of ifs and buts there… Clearly though safety has to be first – not just fans or drivers either.”

Other venues in Europe like Imola and Portimao are also being discussed as alternatives.

Formula 1 nearing deadline for decision on Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races

With practice in Bahrain set to begin on 10 April, the clock is ticking. Teams face a tight timeline, not only to prepare for the event but also to manage the complex logistics that come with a global racing calendar.

Freight schedules and travel plans don’t leave much room for uncertainty. According to a report from BBC Sport, teams may have to start sending equipment immediately after the Chinese Grand Prix if no decision has been made by then.

Both circuits are believed to pay over £75 million each in hosting fees, which includes support races like Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy.

The chances of finding replacements on short notice seem slim. Organising a Grand Prix involves ticket sales, local planning and a massive logistical effort that can’t be arranged overnight.

Adding to that, the same report downplays the idea of back-to-back races at Suzuka, suggesting there’s ‘little benefit’ compared to the strain it would put on teams and staff.

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Following Borussia Dortmund’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, it could leave the Black-Yellows with a shortfall of up to €27m, according to Bild, who add that Julian Ryerson would be allowed to leave the club for a reported €30m.

The Norwegian has been in excellent form this campaign with 14 assists in 32 games across all competitions, which has attracted interest from Manchester United, Newcastle United and Barcelona.

Only Bayern Munich stars Michael Olise (18) and Luis Diaz (13) have more Bundesliga assists than Ryerson (11) this term. The 28-year-old’s four assists against Mainz in February is only the fourth time a player has done so since detailed data collection began in 2004/05.

Additionally, Bild further report that Nico Schlotterbeck, Serhou Guirassy and Felix Nmecha are also candidates to leave, should they receive a suitable offer, as Sebastian Kehl and Lars Ricken look to overhaul the squad ahead of next season, with Kauã Prates and Justin Lerma, both 17, joining Die Schwarzgelben in the summer.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

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.

The Brighton manager, Fabian Hürzeler, accused Arsenal of playing by their own rules in a void left by weak Premier League refereeing after the Gunners' 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday.

Bukayo Saka’s early goal moved Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the table, with Manchester City drawing 2-2 at home against Nottingham Forest.

'I think there was only one team who tried to play football today,' said Hürzeler. 'If they win the Premier League, no one will ask how ... [But] I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way.

'Of course, every team will manage and waste time but there has to be a limit, and the limit has to be set by the Premier League.'

• ‘Only one team tried to play’: Hürzeler hits out at Arsenal after win at Brighton