Kompany doubtful for Bayern's Champions League clash with Arsenal after viral infection

Vincent Kompany may be absent from the touchline when Bayern Munich host Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday, after the Belgian coach spent Tuesday at home battling a viral infection that has caused pain in his legs.

Assistant coach Aaron Danks took Kompany’s place at Bayern’s pre-match press conference, telling reporters that a full recovery could still take two or three days. “It has affected his legs at times and he’s felt some pain,” Danks said. “The most important thing we’ve just encouraged is that he rests, he takes the time he needs, whatever that may be, however long that may be. Getting Vince to rest is a challenge.”

Kompany had already appeared subdued during Bayern’s 6-1 Bundesliga win over Leipzig on Saturday, remaining seated throughout. Sporting director Max Eberl revealed at the time that Kompany was dealing with both the virus and a hip injury, with reports suggesting he needed assistance to climb stairs.

Danks indicated Bayern have a contingency in place should Kompany be unable to attend, pointing to last season’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain — a 5-4 defeat — when Kompany was suspended and the club used remote communication to keep him involved.

Beyond the managerial uncertainty, Bayern face further selection doubts. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has returned to training but remains questionable after missing the club’s last two matches with a foot problem. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich was absent from training on Tuesday for personal reasons, and Danks said he was unsure whether that would affect Kimmich’s availability for the match.

Bayern arrive at this fixture with four points from two Champions League games, following a 5-0 opening win over Bodø/Glimt and a 3-3 draw with Viking last week. Arsenal, by contrast, carry a perfect record into the tie — a 1-0 victory at Napoli was followed by a 3-0 second-half dismantling of Lille. The Gunners are chasing a first European title after losing last season’s final to PSG.