Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany recovering after viral infection, says Max Eberl

Vincent Kompany is recovering from the viral infection that forced him to miss Bayern Munich’s recent matches and led to his hospitalisation, sporting director Max Eberl has said.

Kompany was absent as Bayern beat Freiburg 3-1 in the German Bundesliga on Saturday. Eberl told DAZN: “Kompany is on the road to recovery. His condition is stable and he no longer has headaches. He has also undergone further tests, and the results are looking good.”

Eberl added that the club was deliberately giving the Belgian manager privacy while doctors continued their investigations.

“None of us has spoken to him on the phone, and I don’t know whether he has received messages from anyone, but we prefer to leave him alone,” Eberl said.

“We would rather give him his own space so he can await the diagnosis calmly and find out what steps are required next.

“There is no final diagnosis yet. Even if there was one, I would not reveal it here. But honestly, I think these matches and victories are the best medicine for him.”

Kompany was taken to hospital after collapsing during a Bayern training session because of the viral infection.

A report by German newspaper Bild said a lack of sleep and heavy coffee consumption were among the main factors behind the incident. It also attributed the collapse to excessive and irregular eating habits, a lack of physical activity and an excessive workload.

Speaking at a news conference, Eberl said: “The good news is that Kompany’s condition is stable. I spoke to him, and also to his wife.”

“It was not easy for all of us. He collapsed on the pitch and will remain in hospital for a few more days while he is examined.

“This shows once again that health is the most important thing in life, not football. So we all wish him a speedy recovery.”

Eberl stressed that Bayern would not rush Kompany back into work.

“We at Bayern Munich stand united. The most important thing is to establish the cause of his illness and for him to regain full fitness. He will not return until he is medically fit,” he said.

“The doctors have been looking for the cause all the time. He had minor problems last week. The doctors are doing nothing other than trying to find out the reason.

“The tests have produced some results, but more results are needed to determine the exact nature of the illness and how long his recovery will take. I am not a doctor, but we can support him with love and encouragement.”

Kompany’s health problems first emerged during Bayern’s 6-1 win over RB Leipzig in the sixth round of the German Bundesliga. The infection later made it difficult for him to climb stairs and caused him to miss training on Monday before the Champions League meeting with Arsenal.

He returned to the bench for Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Bayern Munich lead the German Bundesliga table with 14 points, level with Borussia Dortmund but ahead on goal difference.

The club are due to face Freiburg on Sunday in the seventh round of the German Bundesliga.