According to Xabi Alonso, the fact that Bayer Leverkusen faces FC Bayern Munich without Harry Kane is not necessarily an advantage.

Bayer Leverkusen don’t have to worry about Harry Kane in the DFB Cup against FC Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening as the England captain is out with a muscle injury.

While there is no reason to debate that Kane’s injury weakens Bayern, his absence is not necessarily an advantage for Leverkusen, head coach Xabi Alonso stressed in his pre-match press conference.

Given that Bayern can replace Kane in a variety of ways, it is difficult for the Spaniard to come up with a 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 attacking position – we’ll see who plays tomorrow. We don’t know and we can’t control it.”

Regardless of how Bayern coach Vincent Kompany sets up his team, Alonso is well aware of the task ahead.

“There is no game more difficult than in the Allianz Arena,” emphasized the former Bayern player.

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

Kick-off is on Tuesday evening at 8:45 p.m. CET.