Vincent Kompany leaves hospital after collapse caused by meningeal irritation

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has been discharged from hospital after doctors identified meningeal irritation as the cause of his collapse last week.

The 39-year-old Belgian became unwell on the sidelines during a training session involving Bayern’s second team last Friday. The club had previously said a viral infection was among the possible explanations for the incident.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed Kompany’s release from hospital ahead of the defending German champions’ DFB-Pokal match against 1. FC Magdeburg, which Bayern won 6-1 on Wednesday night.

“I think this is the biggest and best news for all of us,” Eberl told ARD.

He said doctors had established that meningeal irritation had caused the incident.

“They found out what it is: meningeal irritation caused the incident last Friday,” Eberl said.

Kompany has returned home, where he will continue his recovery with rest and medication.

“But he has now been allowed to go home and can complete his rehabilitation there,” Eberl added.

“For him, rehabilitation means rest and medication. And then I am very, very sure that he will soon be back on the touchline at 100 per cent.”

Bayern do not intend to hurry Kompany back into his duties, however, and will allow him as much time as necessary to recover fully.

Eberl said the club had maintained from the outset that the manager could be absent for several weeks, rather than setting a short-term timetable for his return.

“He will be given all the time he needs – we have always said that,” he said. “That is why we spoke of weeks from the very beginning.”