Kompany's return date still open as Bayern prepare for Mainz trip on 7 November

Kompany's recovery

Vincent Kompany, the 40-year-old Belgian coach of FC Bayern Munich, is making progress in his recovery, his assistant Aaron Danks told reporters on 6 November, but no date has been set for his return to the bench. Kompany suffered a collapse at the club's training centre on 24 October and spent several days in hospital with a meningeal illness. Reports differ on the diagnosis: some describe a meningeal infection, while German-language outlets describe meningeal irritation. He has since left hospital and is recovering at home in Munich.

What Danks said about the timetable

Danks, who is 43 according to N-tv, said he had several good phone calls with Kompany in the days before the press conference. He described the coach as positive and on a good path to full recovery. Danks said the two-week international break would give the club time to judge when Kompany is ready to rejoin the squad. He added that the club wants to see Kompany back as soon as possible. Whether Kompany will be back on the touchline for the home match against 1. FC Köln on 20 November remains uncertain.

Mainz trip and injury list

Bayern travel to FSV Mainz 05 for a Bundesliga match on Saturday, 7 November, with kick-off at 15:30 and live coverage on Sky. Luis Díaz, Serge Gnabry, Ismael Saibari and Jamal Musiala remain sidelined. Musiala has resumed team training after a muscle injury, but Danks said the Mainz match comes too early for him. Díaz and Musiala are hoped to return fully to training after the break, though Danks declined to set a deadline for their comebacks. Aleksandar Pavlovic, who had been troubled by discomfort, completed training, and Danks hopes he can play. Manuel Neuer's situation looks good, while Alphonso Davies may be rested because of his heavy workload.

Results and away record under Danks

Under Danks, Bayern have won three and drawn one of their last four competitive matches, including a 2:0 win in the Champions League at Atlético Madrid. The Mainz match comes four days after that win in Madrid. Bayern have been unbeaten in 30 away matches since a 1:2 defeat at Mainz in December 2024, winning 22 and drawing eight. Danks said that finishing the run with a good result will not be easy.

Wins22

Draws8

Wins

22

Draws

8

Data from the article text

Club praise for Danks

Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen thanked Danks in his banquet speech after the win in Madrid. Sporting director Christoph Freund followed with praise, calling Danks a very good coach who is obsessed with football. Danks said he had learned a lot during his time in charge and had developed his leadership qualities. He said he is looking forward to the international break and spending time with his family in England.