Kompany discharged from hospital as Bayern confirm meningeal irritation diagnosis

Vincent Kompany has been discharged from hospital after collapsing at Bayern Munich’s training ground last Friday, with the club confirming the Bayern head coach is suffering from meningeal irritation — an inflammation of the protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Bayern board member for sports Max Eberl delivered the update on Wednesday, telling German broadcaster ARD: “Given the circumstances, he’s doing well. He was discharged from the hospital today. That is the biggest and best news for all of us.”

Eberl added that the cause of Kompany’s collapse had been identified and that treatment was under way. “It’s a meningeal irritation that caused this incident on Friday. He will now rest and take medication. I am very confident that he will be back on the touchline, operating at 100% very soon.”

In the days before his collapse, the 38-year-old Belgian had been dealing with a virus and had already missed some training sessions. He skipped the pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern’s Champions League tie against Arsenal the previous Tuesday, though he was present in the dugout for the match itself.

Bayern have confirmed Kompany’s absence will be measured in “weeks, not days”. English assistant coach Aaron Danks has stepped in during his absence and oversaw a 3-1 victory at Freiburg on Sunday.

The timing is significant for Bayern, who face title rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The two clubs are the only unbeaten sides in the division and are level on 17 points, with Bayern leading on goal difference.

Company also received a public tribute from striker Harry Kane during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Kane was named the winner. “To Vinnie — I know he’s at home, or still in the hospital. I wish you well, and I hope this has given you a bit of energy,” Kane said. “Since I’ve been with you I have improved as a player, a person and a leader. I’m glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern.”