Bayern Munich have received a significant fitness boost ahead of this weekend’s high-stakes Der Klassiker, with Konrad Laimer returning to full first-team training.
The Austrian international was a notable absentee from the squad during Bayern’s narrow 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Laimer had been struggling with a minor fitness issue throughout last week, forcing Vincent Kompany to reshuffle his pack.
However, his return to the grass on Monday morning suggests the versatile midfielder is firmly in contention to face Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
Konrad Laimer Injury Update: Boost for Vincent Kompany
Standings before the Klassiker this weekend! pic.twitter.com/rb1EEl9fuf
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) February 23, 2026
Laimer’s availability provides Kompany with crucial tactical flexibility.
Whether deployed in his natural midfield engine room or as a dependable right-back, his energy will be vital against a Dortmund side that salvaged a late point against RB Leipzig last weekend.
With Bayern looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, having “the press machine” back in the fold is exactly the news the Bavarian faithful wanted to hear.
Manuel Neuer and Harry Kane: Latest Bayern Team News
While Laimer is back with the group, all eyes remain on the goalkeeping situation. Manuel Neuer also made a step forward on Monday, returning to individual training.
The legendary shot-stopper has been sidelined with a calf muscle fibre injury, leaving 22-year-old Jonas Urbig to deputise between the sticks.
While Neuer’s participation in Der Klassiker remains “touch and go,” sporting director Max Eberl has refused to rule out a lightning comeback for the captain.
In more settled news, Harry Kane appears to be in peak condition.
Despite some external noise regarding transfer links to Barcelona, the England captain silenced any doubters with a two-goal haul against Frankfurt.
Kane currently leads the Bundesliga scoring charts with 28 goals and will be the focal point of the attack as Bayern aim to inflict pain on their biggest rivals. That form has seen Bayern open talks with Kane over a new contract, and a goal against Dortmund would only see calls to tie him down get louder.
Der Klassiker Preview: A Title Race Decider?
This Saturday’s clash isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a pivotal moment in the Bundesliga title race.
Dortmund sit four points adrift of the leaders and know that a defeat at home could effectively end their hopes of catching Kompany’s side.
With Laimer back and Neuer nearing a return, the momentum is swinging toward Munich.
