Bayern say Vincent Kompany will miss training and media briefing before Arsenal match
Bayern advised its coach to rest because of a viral infection before Wednesday’s Champions League match. The club expects him back but has not confirmed his role.
Bayern Munich said on Tuesday, 20 October, that coach Vincent Kompany would miss training and a media briefing in Munich after being advised to rest with a viral infection. Bayern expect him back for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena, though his role has yet to be confirmed.
Bayern’s announcement came ahead of its scheduled final training session and pre-match news conference. Assistant Aaron Danks was due to oversee training and address the media in Kompany’s place, DPA reported. The change puts Danks in charge of those preparations while the club assesses whether Kompany can resume his usual duties for the match.
Will Kompany coach Bayern against Arsenal?
Sporting board member Max Eberl said Bayern firmly expected Kompany’s illness not to prevent his return on Wednesday, according to Goal. Eberl added that he could not yet say what role the coach would play. DPA also reported that Kompany planned to be back for the match.
Kompany had already spent much of Saturday’s 6-1 Bundesliga win over RB Leipzig seated in the dugout, with Danks giving instructions from the touchline, according to both reports. DPA said the coach had been troubled by a virus and hip problems. Bayern’s Tuesday statement attributed the decision to rest him to the viral infection.
Danks has handled a major European news conference for Bayern before. DPA reported that he spoke ahead of last season’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain while Kompany was suspended. This time, his planned training and media duties follow the club’s advice that Kompany rest.
Bayern face Arsenal without Michael Olise
Bayern will also be without winger Michael Olise for Arsenal’s visit, DPA reported. Striker Harry Kane urged teammates to take their chance: ‘When one of your key players is missing, you definitely feel the difference. But that’s exactly when other players have to step up and make the most of this opportunity.’
Arsenal won the clubs’ previous meeting 3-1 in London almost a year ago, according to DPA. Their last victory in Munich came in 2013. Wednesday’s fixture brings Bayern back against the same opponent with Olise unavailable and a decision still pending on Kompany’s matchday role.
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Sources and context
- Bayern coach Kompany told to rest: no training and media dutiesDPA International, republished by Yahoo Sports via Nordot
- Bad news: Will Bayern Munich be without Kompany against Arsenal?Goal.com
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.