Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is making strong progress towards a complete recovery after collapsing during a training session, assistant coach Aaron Danks said on Friday.
Kompany’s recovery
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Kompany collapsed during a reserve-team training session on October 23 and has been away from his duties for two weeks.
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He was taken to hospital, where doctors treated him for meningeal irritation, an inflammation affecting the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord.
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After leaving hospital, Kompany continued his recovery at home. Bayern decided he would not be included in football-related discussions while he recuperated.
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Danks said he had held several encouraging telephone conversations with the Bayern coach. “I’ve had some very positive calls with Vince,” he said. “He sounds in a really good place and seems to be progressing well towards a full recovery.”
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The upcoming international window will give the club time to assess when Kompany may be ready to resume his role, Danks added.
Danks will again oversee Bayern for Saturday’s Bundesliga fixture against Mainz, which will be the club’s fifth match since Kompany fell ill. Bayern will then not play again until November 20 because of the international break.
Major developments during Kompany’s absence
A number of significant events have unfolded while Kompany has been away. Harry Kane became Bayern’s first Ballon d’Or winner in 45 years and agreed a new contract with the German champions.
Bayern also drew against rivals Borussia Dortmund, defeated Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and dealt with a growing list of injured players during the coach’s absence.
Kane suggested that Kompany might not have been aware beforehand that his new deal would be made public on Thursday.
Freund praises Kane’s new contract
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund welcomed Kane’s decision to extend his stay, describing the England captain as the outstanding player in world football.
“We are delighted that the best player in the world at the moment has chosen to stay committed to Bayern,” Freund said. “He is very comfortable here, and you can feel that. Having someone of his stature at the club is hugely important. He has gone beyond every expectation people had of him.”
Freund said Bayern were confident that Kane could sustain his exceptional standards through his mentality and character.
“We are convinced that his attitude and personality will allow him to keep performing at this level and continue helping us,” he said. “We would not have renewed his contract if we did not believe that. Ultimately, the evidence comes on the pitch.”
“I am sure he will keep proving that over the years ahead.”
