Bayern Kompany faces weeks out after pitch collapse as Danks steps in

(AFP Photo) by Agence France-Presse - Bayern Munich expect coach Vincent Kompany to miss an extended period after collapsing on the training pitch on Friday and being hospitalised for a virus. The 40‑year‑old former Manchester City and Belgium captain remains in a stable condition.

Hospital update

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed examinations were still ongoing. “We won’t be talking about days, but weeks,” he said, adding that the club would give Kompany all the time he needs.

Match preparations

English assistant coach Aaron Danks will replace Kompany for Sunday’s Bundesliga match at Freiburg. Danks told reporters he had spoken briefly with the coach on Friday to wish him well and that all football operations would continue as a team.

Eberl noted that Bayern’s second team game was postponed after the collapse, but the senior side would not delay the Freiburg fixture. “The greatest joy for Vinnie would be for us to play well tomorrow and, ideally, get a positive result,” he added.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, on bereavement leave since Tuesday, will also miss the Sunday game.

Future fixtures

Kompany returned to the dugout for Wednesday’s home clash with Arsenal, despite missing the pre‑match press conference. After the match he explained that a “pretty nasty virus” forced him to listen to his body.

The defending champions sit top of the Bundesliga table, one point clear of Freiburg, and will travel to Madrid for a Champions League tie against Atletico on 3 November.