Vincent Kompany improving but Bayern give no return date

Vincent Kompany is improving following his collapse last week, but Bayern Munich have not announced when their head coach will return to work.

Assistant coach Aaron Danks gave the update on Tuesday after visiting Kompany in hospital on Monday. Danks will lead Bayern’s preparations with the coaching staff for Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal second-round tie against Magdeburg.

What Aaron Danks said about Vincent Kompany

Danks said Kompany was in good spirits and appeared to be improving each day. However, there was no major update on his diagnosis or when he could resume his duties.

“Let him rest, let him take his time,” Danks said, according to Reuters.

The assistant explained that their conversation had stayed away from football and tactics. Kompany asked about the players and staff, but the visit was an opportunity to catch up personally.

The Bayern coach was taken to hospital on Friday 23 October after collapsing while watching a reserve-team training session.

In Bayern’s statement that evening, the club said Kompany was undergoing examinations and would remain under medical care. His coaching staff would oversee training and matches until further notice.

Max Eberl, Bayern’s board member for sport, described Kompany’s health as the club’s “top priority” and said they would provide the care, support and time he needed to recover.

Who is in charge of Bayern?

Danks and the coaching staff are overseeing the team during Kompany’s absence. The assistant was on the touchline for Sunday’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory at Freiburg.

In Bayern’s account of that match, Danks revealed that Kompany had sent him a message congratulating the team after the win. His reply encouraged the head coach to rest.

Dayot Upamecano and Serge Gnabry put Bayern ahead before Freiburg reduced the deficit. Michael Olise then scored in added time to secure the victory.

The result left Bayern top of the Bundesliga on 17 points from seven games, level on points with Borussia Dortmund.

Magdeburg are next at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday 28 October. Bayern then host Dortmund on Saturday before travelling to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League the following week.

Kane’s Ballon d’Or and an emotional week

The concern for Kompany has coincided with a major personal achievement for Harry Kane, who won the Ballon d’Or on Monday.

The Bayern and England striker became the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001, collecting the award at the ceremony in London.

Danks acknowledged the contrasting emotions around the squad and credited the players’ togetherness with helping them through the week.

Kane will be available against Magdeburg. Danks said the striker was expected back for training on Tuesday afternoon, Bulinews reported via Yahoo Sports.

Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala remain unavailable. Bayern were also assessing Kim Min-jae and Aleksandar Pavlovic, with Danks indicating that both were closer to returning.

Vincent Kompany: your questions answered

What happened to Vincent Kompany?

Kompany was taken to hospital after collapsing while watching a Bayern reserve-team training session on Friday. The club confirmed that he would remain under medical care.

When will Vincent Kompany return?

Bayern have not announced a return date. Danks said on Tuesday that Kompany was improving, but there was no major update on his return to work.

Who is managing Bayern against Magdeburg?

Aaron Danks and Bayern’s coaching staff are overseeing training and matches during Kompany’s absence, with the club expressing confidence in the existing team.

Is Harry Kane available against Magdeburg?

Yes. Danks confirmed Kane would be available for Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal tie and was expected back for training on Tuesday after Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. His place in the starting XI has not been confirmed.