Bayern Munich Deputy Aaron Danks to Lead Freiburg Match as Kompany Recovers

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is expected to miss several weeks of matches while receiving hospital treatment for a virus, the club announced on Saturday. He collapsed on the training pitch the previous day. Director of Sport Max Eberl stated that Kompany remains in the hospital in stable condition. Eberl noted that examinations are ongoing to determine the specific nature of the illness and that no recovery timeframe has been established.

Eberl emphasized that the club is prioritizing understanding the medical issue before discussing a return. He described the absence as lasting weeks rather than days. "Vinnie will be given all the time he needs. We're not starting to put together any timeframes," Eberl said at a news conference. He added that the staff will calmly discuss recovery only after the diagnosis is clear.

Assistant coach Aaron Danks, an English national, will take charge for Sunday's Bundesliga match at Freiburg. Danks led the Saturday press briefing in Kompany's place. He confirmed that he spoke briefly with the 40-year-old coach on Friday to check on his health. "I explained to him that we wouldn't be having no football conversations," Danks said. "It was just checking in on his health and making sure he's OK."

Danks added that the coaching staff would work together to maintain the club's momentum. "All the football operations are in our hands, and we'll work together as a team to keep the club moving forward," he said. Bayern's second team match on Friday was postponed following the incident. Eberl said the club did not consider seeking a postponement for the league game. He viewed a strong performance and positive result as the best way to aid Kompany's recovery.

Danks also confirmed that Germany captain Joshua Kimmich will miss the Freiburg fixture. Kimmich has been on bereavement leave since Tuesday. Kompany had returned to the dugout for Wednesday's home match against Arsenal despite missing the pre-match press conference due to the virus. He later acknowledged ignoring warning signs. "I caught a pretty nasty virus last week, and of course, I didn't listen to my body, and then at some point, my body just said, 'Enough is enough!" Kompany said.

The defending champions currently lead the Bundesliga table by one point over Freiburg. Their next Champions League match is scheduled for November 3 in Madrid against Atletico.