Kompany out for weeks as Bayern faces Freiburg

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is expected to miss several weeks of work as he recovers from a virus, according to the club's director of sport.

Max Eberl stated on Saturday that Kompany remains in the hospital in stable condition. Medical examinations are ongoing to determine the specific nature of the illness. Eberl noted that the club will not set a recovery timeline until they fully understand the medical issue, confirming the absence will last for weeks rather than days.

English assistant coach Aaron Danks will lead the team on Sunday for the Bundesliga match at Freiburg. Danks held the press conference in Kompany's absence and reported a brief conversation with the 40-year-old manager on Friday. Danks said he only wished Kompany well and avoided discussing football tactics. He added that the coaching staff is handling all operational decisions as a team to keep the club moving forward.

Kompany had returned to the dugout for Wednesday's home game against Arsenal despite suffering from the virus. He admitted after that match that he ignored early warning signs. Kompany said his body eventually forced him to stop. The club postponed Bayern's second team match on Friday following the collapse but did not seek a delay for the top-flight fixture against Freiburg.

Eberl argued that a strong performance and a positive result would be the best way to aid Kompany's recovery. The club is also managing personnel changes for Sunday's game. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, who has been on bereavement leave since Tuesday, will not play against Freiburg.

Bayern enters Sunday's match as the defending champions and current leaders of the Bundesliga. They hold a one-point advantage over Freiburg. The club's next competitive fixture is scheduled for November 3, a Champions League match in Madrid against Atletico.