Tuchel says injury forced Kane substitution: 'His back froze up'

Agence France-Presse ·
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 08: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich looks dejected after the team's defeat and elimination from the UEFA Champions League during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern München at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 08, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images Sport / Getty

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Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel explained his decision to take off Harry Kane with six minutes remaining of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid, saying the injured England captain "could not continue".

Bayern were 1-0 up and had one foot in the final when Tuchel replaced Kane with back-up striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. 

German-born Madrid striker Joselu levelled the match just four minutes later and scored again in the second minute of injury time as the home side took the lead on the night, winning 2-1 and 4-3 on aggregate.

Jamal Musiala was also taken off with Tuchel bringing on Bayern veteran Thomas Mueller. 

Kane's substitution appeared to change the momentum of the match with Bayern in control but Tuchel told broadcaster DAZN the striker was unable to continue. 

"He couldn't keep going. He played with back pain and he couldn't keep going, his back froze up," said Tuchel.

The loss means Kane's long wait for a trophy continues, with the 30-year-old striker still yet to lift silverware in his club career. 

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