Concerns about Vincent Kompany at FC Bayern continue. One day before the Champions League showdown against Arsenal, the German record champions will still have to do without their head coach. The 40-year-old is still battling a persistent viral infection and will therefore not participate in today’s final training session or the press conference.
Kompany was already in poor health during last Saturday’s decisive 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig. The Belgian was unable to rally his team from the sidelines as usual and spent nearly the entire match on the bench.
Even after the final whistle, the Bayern coach was absent from all media appearances. Sporting director Max Eberl took over the press conference instead and provided an update on the coach’s health.
It is now clear: Kompany still needs rest.
Kompany misses final training session ahead of Arsenal match
As FC Bayern announced on Tuesday, Kompany is being given time off due to his ongoing viral infection.
The 40-year-old is to recover fully and will therefore neither lead the team’s final training session nor appear at the mandatory press conference ahead of the Champions League match against Arsenal.
This continues the unusual situation at the record-holding champions. Kompany’s assistants had already taken over much of the on-field coaching duties against Leipzig.
In particular, assistant coach Aaron Danks gave instructions to the players during the match.
In addition to the infection, Kompany is also suffering from physical discomfort in his hip area. Standing for long periods and climbing stairs have recently caused the Belgian particular problems.
After the Leipzig game, Eberl had already explained: “Vinnie has been struggling with a virus all week and has been taking vitamins constantly. He’s really not feeling well.”
Who will take charge on the sidelines against Arsenal?
It remains to be seen whether Kompany will be able to take his place on the bench again against Arsenal on Wednesday evening. Even after the Leipzig game, club officials had expressed optimism that the Belgian would be fit to return in time.
“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,” Eberl had explained.
However, this latest forced absence shows that Kompany has not yet fully recovered. If the Bayern coach is still unable to actively coach on Wednesday, Aaron Danks is likely to take on a central role once again.
The coaching staff already worked seamlessly together against Leipzig. Despite their head coach’s injury, the Munich team performed exceptionally well.
Nevertheless, Kompany’s return would be desirable for the match against Arsenal. Whether the 40-year-old will at least be able to sit on the bench or will have to sit out entirely is likely to be decided at the last minute.