Serge Gnabry is on the verge of a return for Bayern Munich as striker Harry Kane publicly targets Champions League glory. The German record champions sit in sixth place in the Bundesliga after a goalless draw at Schalke 04.
Serge Gnabry has fully participated in team training following a four-and-a-half-month adductor tear, making a fit impression. The 31-year-old attacker could be back in the squad as early as Thursday for the Champions League home match against Bodø/Glimt. His comeback would significantly increase competition for places in attack.
It could have particular consequences for Ismael Saibari, the €50 million signing from PSV Eindhoven. Pundit Didi Hamann criticised Saibari's pace, stating: "Saibari is a wonderful footballer, but he is too slow." Gnabry is considered a class above on the wings. Saibari must now deliver more consistently to keep his place. The senior squad overview is available on our squad page.
Striker Harry Kane issued a clear title demand for the Champions League. "We are very close. Last season small details made the difference. We go into this season and say: It has to be our year," the 33-year-old said. After winning the double in 2025/26, Kane is dreaming of the first Champions League title of his career.
Sporting director Max Eberl and coach Vincent Kompany have also reaffirmed this goal. Kompany stated back in August during the Asia tour that the aim was to win the Champions League. Last season, Bayern fell in the semi-finals to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. The next step in that competition is the match against Bodø/Glimt, part of a demanding run of games visible in our fixtures calendar.
Following an opening 5:1 victory against Stuttgart, Bayern Munich were held to a disappointing 0:0 draw at FC Schalke 04 on September 6. That result cost them top spot in the league. After two matchdays, Bayern occupy sixth place in the standings with four points.
FC Augsburg lead the table with six points, followed by Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. VfB Stuttgart, also on four points, are in fourth due to a superior goal difference. The full table after matchday two highlights the early surprise in the league.
| Club | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|
| FC Augsburg | 6 | +4 |
| Borussia Dortmund | 6 | +2 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 6 | +4 |
| VfB Stuttgart | 4 | +3 |
| SV Elversberg | 3 | 0 |
| FC Bayern Munich | 4 | +4 |
Bayern Munich were drawn against 1. FC Magdeburg in the second round of the DFB-Pokal. It's a special fixture for Bayern youngster Felipe Chávez, who is on loan at Magdeburg. The 19-year-old German-Peruvian said he was pleased: "It couldn't have come any better. I'm obviously happy."
Chávez, who made his debut for Magdeburg in their 1:2 loss in Berlin at the weekend, sees the task as difficult but manageable. His and his team's goal is to progress to the next round. Magdeburg coach Petrik Sander is gradually integrating the technically gifted youth player into the squad.
For new Germany coach Jürgen Klopp, who took office on September 1, Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart are the most important suppliers of national team players. Klopp is intensively visiting clubs, speaking with players, and has already gathered all the German youth national team coaches for a joint meeting to discuss the future of German football.
One of his biggest challenges will be working with these two Bundesliga clubs, whose players form the core of the national team. Klopp employs a direct communication style that differs from his predecessor. His next appointment is observing Bayern players in the Champions League match on Thursday.
