Xabi Alonso explains why Kane's absence is not just an advantage for Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen won't have to worry about Harry Kane when they take on Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday night, as the England captain has been ruled out with a muscle injury.

But while there's no need to debate that Kane's injury weakens Bayern, his absence isn't entirely an advantage for Leverkusen, their head coach, Xabi Alonso, pointed out at his pre-match press conference.

Given that Bayern can replace Kane in a number of different ways, it's difficult for the Spaniard to draw up his game plan.

"Kane is a very important player, but they have a lot of options," said Xabi Alonso.

“They have two players in almost every position in attack - we'll see who plays tomorrow. We don't know and we can't control it.”

Regardless of how Bayern coach Vincent Kompany chooses to line up his side, Alonso is well aware of the task ahead.

"There is no more difficult game than at the Allianz Arena," the former Bayern player insisted.

“When Bayern play there in the league, the Champions League and the cup, they are usually favorites. It's a big challenge for us. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is almost like a final for us.”

Kick-off is at 20:45 CET on Tuesday night.