Bayern's Kane eyes 100th Bundesliga goal and Gnabry set for comeback

Harry Kane can score his 100th Bundesliga goal and Serge Gnabry is set for a comeback from a long injury lay-off when Bayern Munich face lowly Union Berlin on Friday.

Kane has 99 goals in the German top flight since his arrival in 2023 and he can reach the century in his 98th league match for the champions.

That would be another record for the three-time reigning Bundesliga top scorer as Dieter Müller holds the current mark of reaching 100 goals in 129 matches.

The England captain has 150 Bayern goals from 153 games across all competitions.

Díaz aims to end rot and Gnabry return

While Kane continues to score freely, attacking partner Luis Díaz is yet to find the net this season but coach Vincent Kompany firmly believes it is only a matter of time for that rot to end.

"He's scored an incredible number of goals in training. It's been a good week for him; if he can carry that form into the match, he'll be right back on track," Kompany said on Thursday.  

The coach also said that forward Gnabry is ready for a return after being sidelined for months, including the World Cup, with a thigh injury.

"We've waited a long time for Serge to give us the all-clear that he's feeling well. I reckon he'll get some game time against Union," he said.

Unbeaten against Union 

Bayern have not yet hit top form and dropped points in a recent 0-0 draw at Schalke to sit fourth in the league. They have, however, never lost against Union, who have had a slow start and are third-last with one point.

But Kompany warned: "Union have undergone a major transition. They've brought in a very successful coach [Mauro Lustrinelli]. The confidence he exudes will also have an impact on the decisions made. Whatever happens, we're prepared for any changes opponents might make."

Oktoberfest feeling light

The match being played on Friday and the next game not until October 10 due to an extended international break means that Bayern won't have a home game during Munich's famous beer fest, the Oktoberfest, for the first time.

But the team will visit the Oktoberfest, which opens on Saturday, on Sunday before most of them leave for their national teams.

“At least we do have almost a Bayern match at home to kick off Oktoberfest. So there is still a bit of an Oktoberfest feeling. Of course, we will also make the traditional Oktoberfest visit with the team on Sunday,” CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said.

International break

Nine Bayern players will be part of a large Germany squad selected by new coach Jürgen Klopp for four Nations League matches, including an October 1 match in Munich against Serbia.

"I'm glad that many of our lads are in the squad. One or two of them might have something to prove (following the World Cup). I can tell that our lads are highly motivated. With Jürgen Klopp, it's a new chapter - our players are certainly looking forward to it," Kompany said.

Bright future for Urbig

The Bayern contingent led by national team captain Joshua Kimmich also includes goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and Kompany is convinced that the youngster will be first choice for Germany one day.

"If anyone thinks he won't become number one in Germany, they're making a big mistake. He'll certainly be Germany's number one at some point," Kompany said.

"Of course it will be [national team coach] Jürgen Klopp to decide when that will be, in one year or in five years," he said. "Jonas has the right mentality. As a country, you have to develop your talent."

At Bayern since January 25, Urbig is being built up as a successor for Manuel Neuer who is likely to retire after the season. Urbig has featured in 23 Bundesliga games as well as in the Champions League and the German Cup, including last season's final, as he is getting his playing time.