Kompany could miss Bayern’s Champions League clash with Arsenal through illness
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is a major doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League home match against Arsenal after a viral infection caused pain in his legs.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks took Kompany’s place at Tuesday’s pre-match media conference and said the Bayern boss stayed at home to rest. Danks indicated Kompany could need up to three more days before returning.
“It is a virus and it has affected his legs at times,” Danks said. “He has experienced some pain. The key thing is for him to rest for as long as he needs.”
Who Bayern could be without against Arsenal
- Vincent Kompany: Doubtful due to the virus, which has affected his mobility. He may require another two or three days of recovery.
- Joshua Kimmich: Absent from Tuesday’s preparations for personal reasons. His availability for Arsenal was not confirmed.
- Manuel Neuer: Back in training after a foot problem, but remains uncertain after missing Bayern’s previous two matches.
Kompany appeared unwell during Saturday’s 6-1 Bundesliga win over Leipzig, when he remained seated and was noticeably subdued on the touchline. He had also been dealing with a hip issue, and had reportedly needed assistance on stairs.
What happens next
- Bayern will monitor Kompany’s condition through Wednesday before deciding whether he can take his place at the Allianz Arena.
- If he cannot attend, the coaching staff have a contingency plan for remote contact, having used similar arrangements last season when Kompany was suspended for the 5-4 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
- The final checks on Kimmich and Neuer will also come before Bayern host Arsenal in the Champions League.
