Vincent Kompany doubtful for Bayern’s Champions League tie with Arsenal after virus affects his legs

Vincent Kompany is touch and go for Bayern Munich’s Champions League meeting with Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night as he battles a virus that has affected his legs, with assistant Aaron Danks set to assume match responsibilities if the manager cannot attend.

Kompany missed his side’s training session on Tuesday ahead of the tie and handed the pre-match press conference duties to Danks. The manager was advised to rest after struggling through Bayern’s 6-1 home win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, and sporting director Max Eberl spoke to reporters in his place.

There have been reports in Germany that Kompany needed to lie down on his sofa at home after the Leipzig game and that the viral infection had affected an existing hip problem which meant he could hardly walk.

“It has affected his legs at times,” Danks confirmed. “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. “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.”

Danks will take the team against Arsenal if Kompany cannot make it, as he did last season when he led Bayern for the Champions League semi-final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain while Kompany served a suspension; 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.

Birmingham-born Danks, who briefly took caretaker charge of Aston Villa in 2022 and has coached at clubs including Anderlecht and Middlesbrough, said he would be in communication with Kompany “in some shape or form” if the manager was not able to come to the stadium.

If Kompany is unable to travel, Danks will lead Bayern for Wednesday night’s Champions League fixture against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.