England dealt Harry Kane blow as Gareth Southgate confirms captain will miss Belgium clash to return to Germany for treatment on ankle injury

Posted Sunday, March 24, 2024 by Goal.com

England captain Harry Kane will miss their clash against Belgium, Gareth Southgate confirms, as he flies back to Germany to receive ankle treatment.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Kane, who carried an ankle problem to the England camp ahead of their March international friendlies, did not make it to Gareth Southgate's matchday squad against Brazil on Saturday. And the manager confirmed after that 1-0 loss that the captain will fly back to Germany to receive treatment.

WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID
Speaking to reporters after the match, Southgate said: "Harry Kane will return to Germany for treatment on ankle injury. He won’t be ready to play against Belgium on Tuesday."

WHAT BAYERN SAID
Shortly after Southgate's confirmation, Bayern released a statement which read: "Harry Kane will return early from the English national team to FC Bayern in order to receive further treatment in Munich. England coach Gareth Southgate confirmed this on Saturday evening following the Three Lions' friendly match against Brazil (0-1) at Wembley Stadium in London. The FC Bayern attacker was not in the English squad for the duel against the South Americans due to an ankle injury that he sustained last weekend in the Bundesliga game against SV Darmstadt 98."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 30-year-old, who is enjoying a stellar run of form in his maiden season in Germany, suffered a massive setback in his last Bundesliga game. He had to be substituted after he crashed into the frame of the goal and injured his ankle in the process against Darmstadt, and is yet to return to full training ever since.

WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?
The former Tottenham Hotspur player's condition will be assessed by the Bayern Munich doctors before taking a call on whether he will be able to play against Dortmund in a crucial Bundesliga fixture on March 30. He will play no further part of England's set-up until the upcoming European Championships in Germany.