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Harry Kane has `done enough´ to win Ballon d´Or

Serge Gnabry believes Bayern Munich team-mate Harry Kane has done enough to become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or.

England captain Kane is a leading contender for football’s most prestigious individual prize, which will be presented in London on Monday, after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season.

The former Tottenham striker is set to face familiar foes Arsenal in the Champions League league phase on Wednesday evening at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich´s Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry face Arsenal on Wednesday (John Walton/PA)
Bayern Munich´s Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry face Arsenal on Wednesday (John Walton/PA)

Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany is a doubt for the clash after a virus forced him to miss training and pre-match media duties, with assistant coach Aaron Danks potentially stepping in to take charge.

“It would be lovely, you always wish it for a team-mate of yours to have that success or to get that trophy,” former Gunners winger Gnabry said of Kane’s Ballon d’Or hopes.

“Has he done enough? I think you always talk about a lot of different markers as to what is needed to win the Ballon d’Or.

“But he had an incredible year, so for me of course he’s done enough. He’s showed his quality and he’s a key player to our team so those are big attributes to win such a trophy. I would wish it for him, for sure.”

Michael Owen was the last Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or, in 2001, and the fourth overall after Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe are among Kane’s main rivals for the award.

Bayern assistant Danks also talked up Kane’s credentials.

“I am really biased because I am an Englishman but for me to work with Harry is a privilege,” said Danks. “His all-round game is at such a high level.

“He can be our best defender in training if he wants. He can be our best playmaker. He can go and score goals. I have learnt a lot working with him.”

Kane has scored 15 career goals against Arsenal, including 14 for Spurs.

Speaking of facing the Gunners, the 33-year-old told Bayern’s website: “When you’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe, you always have to savour moments like this.

“We’re up for the challenge. We’re playing here at home – the energy, the fans – it’s sure to be a special night.”

Bayern’s preparation for the visit of the Premier League champions has been hampered by the illness of Kompany.

Danks, a former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough coach, previously deputised when Kompany was suspended against Paris St Germain in the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League.

“Vince has had a virus and it’s been really important that he rests, and getting Vince to rest is a difficult challenge,” said Danks.

“I’m still unsure of his involvement tomorrow but we’re in constant communication. He’ll play his role in the game – whether that’s at the Allianz or not we have to wait to see.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, front, may miss the clash through illness (Lise Aserud/AP)
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, front, may miss the clash through illness (Lise Aserud/AP)

“I will be in communication with Vince (during the match) in some way, shape or form.”

Michael Olise is suspended for Bayern following his red card in last week’s 3-3 draw away to Norwegian club Viking.

Joshua Kimmich is a doubt after missing training due to personal reasons, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be assessed.

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