Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is doubtful for Wednesday's Champions League home game against Arsenal as he battles a viral infection that has affected his legs, assistant coach Aaron Danks confirmed on Tuesday.
Kompany missed Bayern's training session on Tuesday and was absent from the pre-match press conference at the Allianz Arena. Danks told reporters the 38-year-old Belgian has been advised to rest. "It has affected his legs at times and he's felt some pain," Danks said, according to The Guardian. "It's just a virus. The doctors and experts know way more than I do. The most important thing is that he rests and takes the time he needs, however long that may be."
The illness comes after Kompany appeared subdued and remained seated during Bayern's 6-1 Bundesliga win over RB Leipzig on Saturday. Sporting director Max Eberl addressed the media instead of Kompany after that match. Reports in Germany suggest the coach needed help climbing stairs and had to lie down at home due to the virus aggravating an existing hip problem.
Danks managed Bayern in the opening leg of last season's Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain while Kompany served a suspension. He will oversee the team against Arsenal if Kompany cannot attend. "We are taking it day by day. He will play his role in the game whether in the Allianz Arena or not," Danks said. He added that he would remain in communication with Kompany remotely.
Bayern also face uncertainty over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who has missed the last two games with a foot issue but returned to training this week, according to ESPN. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich missed Tuesday's session for personal reasons, CNA reported. Winger Michael Olise is suspended for the match.
The German champions drew 3-3 away to Viking in their previous Champions League outing and sit second in their league phase group. Kickoff at the Allianz Arena is 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday.