Bayern Munich have been given a significant fitness boost ahead of this weekend’s big Der Klassiker match, 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 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Laimer suffered from a minor fitness problem last week, which forced Vincent Kompany to rearrange his pack.
However, his return to the grass on Monday morning suggests the versatile midfielder is firmly in contention against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
Konrad Laimer injury update: boost for Vincent Kompany
Standings for the Classic this weekend! pic.twitter.com/rb1EEl9fuf
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) February 23, 2026
Laimer’s availability gives Kompany crucial tactical flexibility.
Whether deployed in his natural engine room in midfield or as a reliable right-back, his energy will be crucial against a Dortmund side who salvaged a late point against RB Leipzig last weekend.
With Bayern looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Bundesliga, having ‘the pressing machine’ back in the fold is exactly the news the Bavarian faithful wanted to hear.
Manuel Neuer and Harry Kane: the latest Bayern team news
While Laimer is back in the fold, all eyes remain on the goalkeeping situation. Manuel Neuer also took a step forward on Monday and returned to individual training.
The legendary shot-stopper has been sidelined with a calf muscle injury, forcing 22-year-old Jonas Urbig to switch between the sticks.
Although Neuer’s participation in Der Klassiker remains touch and go, sporting director Max Eberl has refused to rule out a meteoric comeback for the captain.
In more public news, Harry Kane appears to be in top condition.
Despite some outside noise about transfer links to Barcelona, ​​the England captain silenced all doubters with a two-goal strike against Frankfurt.
Kane currently tops the Bundesliga scoring charts with 28 goals and will be the focal point of the attack as Bayern look to hurt their biggest rivals. That form has led to Bayern opening talks with Kane over a new contract, and a goal against Dortmund would only make the calls to tie him down even louder.
The classic preview: a title race decider?
This Saturday’s clash isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a crucial moment in the Bundesliga title race.
Dortmund are four points behind the leaders and know that a defeat at home could end their hopes of conquering Kompany’s side.
With Laimer back and Neuer nearing a return, the momentum is swinging towards Munich.
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