Kompany spotted at Bayern training ground with arm in sling 18 days after collapse

Vincent Kompany made his first appearance at Bayern Munich’s Sabener Strasse training complex on Tuesday morning, 18 days after collapsing during a reserve-team session on 23 October. The 40-year-old was photographed at the club’s offices by German newspaper Bild, his left arm visibly in a sling — reportedly the result of a dislocated shoulder sustained during the fall.

Kompany was hospitalised following the collapse and diagnosed with meningeal irritation. He had already been weakened by a viral infection earlier that week, which had forced him to miss the pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern’s Champions League fixture against Arsenal, though he was well enough to take his place in the dugout for that game two days before the incident.

Bayern’s director of sport Max Eberl had cautioned that Kompany’s return would take “weeks, not days”, with the club insisting he would not come back until fully fit. The club had not issued a formal statement confirming Tuesday’s visit by the time of publication, and The Independent said it had contacted Bayern Munich for comment.

In Kompany’s absence, assistant manager Aaron Danks has overseen four wins and one draw — a 2-2 stalemate with Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker — keeping Bayern top of the Bundesliga on 21 points from nine games, level with Dortmund but ahead on goal difference. Kompany could now be in contention to return to the dugout when Bayern host Köln on Friday 21 November after the international break.

The period has also brought individual recognition for Bayern’s Harry Kane, who claimed the Ballon d’Or while Kompany was still recovering. In his acceptance speech, Kane paid direct tribute to his manager: “To Vinnie, I know he’s at home or I think still in the hospital so wishing you very well. Hope this has gave you a bit of energy. To Vinnie and all the staff, the way we train, the way you push us, it’s a credit to yourself. Since I’ve been with you, I’ve improved as a player, no doubt, improved as a person, as a leader, and that’s thanks to your leadership.”