Vincent Kompany a doubt for Bayern-Arsenal after missing the press conference

On Saturday, in the 6-1 win over RB Leipzig, Vincent Kompany stayed on the bench and left his assistant to give instructions from the touchline. His presence on the bench for Wednesday’s Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Arsenal is now uncertain: Aaron Danks said on Tuesday that the coach had been ill and resting in recent days.

“Vincent caught a virus, and it’s very important that he rests. He’s at home. We’re taking it day by day; I’m still not sure if he’ll be involved tomorrow,” said Danks, who took his place at the pre-match press conference. He added that the virus had at times affected Kompany’s legs and caused pain. “He needs rest. It will take as long as it takes for him to come back. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you whether that will be tomorrow or in two or three days,” he said.

Uncertainty over Kompany’s presence does not mean he is being kept out of the team’s decisions. Danks said they were in regular contact, including about training and the exercises to use. “He’ll play a role, he’ll have his part in the match, whether or not at the Allianz Arena,” he said.

Manuel Neuer’s availability is also yet to be decided. The goalkeeper and captain, who injured his foot in the 2-2 draw at Augsburg ten days ago and has been absent since, took part in the latest training session. “We haven’t made a decision yet,” Danks said. He also noted that Kompany had been back on the pitch for two days. Jamal Musiala, recovering from a muscle tear suffered in late September, and Joshua Kimmich, who missed Tuesday’s training for personal reasons, were also discussed.

Danks had already taken charge of Bayern in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final in Paris last season, a 5-4 defeat to PSG. Kompany was suspended after receiving a third caution in the second leg of the quarter-final against Real Madrid. This time, the uncertainty stems from his health, not a suspension.