FC Bayern remains concerned about Vincent Kompany ahead of their Champions League showdown against Arsenal. The 40-year-old is dealing with health issues and was unable to coach his team from the sidelines as usual during their 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig. It also remains unclear whether the Belgian will be able to actively coach again for Wednesday’s match against the Londoners.
Even during the match against Leipzig, it was noticeable that Kompany was moving unusually little. The Bayern coach spent nearly the entire game on the bench and left it to his assistants to give instructions to the team.
After the final whistle, the 40-year-old was absent from both the TV interviews and the press conference. Sporting director Max Eberl took over the media session instead and explained the Bayern coach’s health issues.
Kompany has trouble standing and climbing stairs
As reported by the tz, it remains unclear whether Kompany will be able to return to the sidelines in his usual manner for Wednesday’s match against Arsenal.
The Belgian is currently battling a flu-like infection, which apparently is also exacerbating existing physical ailments. In particular, standing for long periods and climbing stairs are currently causing problems for the Bayern coach.
For this reason, Kompany had already spent most of the match against Leipzig sitting down.
At halftime, he was accompanied by support staff and team doctor Roland Schmidt. To avoid the arduous walk through the players’ tunnel, the Bayern coach used a side exit.
After the game, Eberl explained just how much Kompany is currently limited. “Vinnie has been struggling with a virus all week and has been taking vitamins constantly. He’s really not feeling well,” reported the sporting director.
On top of that, he’s dealing with hip problems, which are putting additional strain on the Belgian.
Danks could step in again against Arsenal
If Kompany isn’t fit enough by Wednesday, the Munich team already has a solution. According to information from the tz, assistant coach Aaron Danks, in particular, would once again take charge on the sidelines.
The Englishman had already given most of the instructions against Leipzig and coached the team alongside the rest of the coaching staff.
However, this does not necessarily mean Kompany will be completely sidelined. It’s also possible that the Belgian will sit on the bench, as he did against Leipzig, and leave the day-to-day coaching to his assistants.
Eberl recently expressed confidence that Kompany will be able to participate in the Arsenal game. “He’s determined to stay with the team for as long as possible. We’re confident that it won’t be a problem for Wednesday,” the 53-year-old explained.
For Bayern, however, it would still be ideal if their head coach were fully fit and available in time.
After all, Arsenal—one of the most challenging opponents of the season so far—awaits them.
Whether Kompany will be back on the sidelines as usual on Wednesday or whether his assistants will once again have to step up will likely be decided at the last minute.