Bayern boss Kompany in doubt for Arsenal clash due to virus affecting his legs

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Vincent Kompany's place in the Bayern Munich dugout for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Arsenal at the Allianz Arena is in doubt after the manager was struck down by a virus that has affected his legs.

Kompany missed Bayern's training session on Tuesday ahead of the tie and was unable to attend the pre-match press conference, with his assistant Aaron Danks stepping in to face the media instead. The 39 year old had already looked far from his best on the touchline during Bayern's 6-1 Bundesliga win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, after which sporting director Max Eberl addressed reporters in his place.

There have been reports in Germany that Kompany needed to lie down on his sofa at home following the Leipzig match, with the viral infection said to have aggravated an existing hip issue to the point where he could barely walk. Danks confirmed the virus has caused Kompany genuine physical discomfort.

“It has affected his legs at times,” Danks said. “He's felt some pain in his legs. I'm not sure about the reports about him lying down on the couch. I think we can all have a lie down on the couch after a game. It's just a virus. The doctors and experts know way more than I do. The most important thing we have encouraged is that he rests; he takes the time he needs, however long that may be.”

Danks added there was no firm timeline on when Kompany might be fit enough to return to work. “Unfortunately, I can't give you any more, whether that's tomorrow or whether that's two or three days' time. I don't know. We just take it day by day and see how he is. Getting Vince to rest is a challenge. You know him as a person. He's a real leader. He works hard.”

Familiar territory against Arsenal

Should Kompany be unable to make it to the stadium, Danks will take charge of the team, just as he did during last season's dramatic Champions League semi final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, when Kompany was suspended. PSG won 5-4 at the Parc des Princes that night before progressing 6-5 on aggregate, and went on to beat Arsenal in the final on penalties.

Danks, who was born in Birmingham, briefly took caretaker charge of Aston Villa in 2022 and has previously coached at Anderlecht and Middlesbrough. He said he would remain in contact with Kompany “in some shape or form” if the manager is forced to watch from afar.

Arsenal will discover Kompany's status closer to kick off, with Bayern taking a day by day approach to his recovery. The Gunners head to Munich aiming to continue their Champions League campaign regardless of who occupies the opposition dugout.