FC Bayern must prepare for a prolonged absence by Vincent Kompany. Following the 40-year-old’s collapse on Friday afternoon, sporting director Max Eberl has now provided a more specific timeframe for the head coach’s absence for the first time. According to Eberl, the Belgian will be out not just for a few days, but likely for several weeks. A return before the international break in November therefore seems extremely unlikely.

Kompany collapsed at the training facility on Säbener Straße and was subsequently taken to a Munich hospital. His condition is now stable. However, further medical examinations are necessary to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

At the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg, Eberl made it clear that the record champions will not put any time pressure on their coach. A full recovery takes precedence over all sporting considerations.

Eberl emphasized: “Vinnie will be given all the time he needs.”

Bayern’s sporting director spoke plainly when asked about how long the Belgian might be sidelined. “Vinnie will get all the time he needs. We’re not going to start setting any timeframes. We have to figure out what the issue is, and then it’s a matter of determining the recovery time. We won’t be talking in terms of days, but rather weeks. That’s clear to all of us.”

This suggests that Kompany could miss a number of important competitive matches.

The 40-year-old will already be absent from the sidelines this Sunday against SC Freiburg. Next up is the DFB Cup match against 1. FC Magdeburg on Wednesday, October 28.

Particularly critical: On October 31, FC Bayern will host Borussia Dortmund for the Bundesliga classic. Just three days later, the Champions League away match at Atlético Madrid (November 3) is on the schedule.

The Bundesliga match at 1. FSV Mainz 05 on November 7 could also fall during Kompany’s absence. This will be followed by the international break.

Given Eberl’s statements, a return only after the national team matches seems quite realistic. However, the club has expressly not set a specific date.

Bayern is fully relying on Danks and the existing coaching staff

Despite the challenges ahead, Eberl sees no reason to make personnel changes to the coaching staff. “We have such a fantastic coaching staff, led by Vinnie. But our success is based on an outstanding team behind the scenes.”

The sporting director emphasized that the club has complete confidence in the coaching staff led by Aaron Danks. “There’s absolutely no thought of changing anything. All the guys on the staff are outstanding—and that’s why we can all tackle the coming weeks in the spirit of Vinnie, which everyone carries within them.”

Danks will thus take charge on the sidelines for the time being and lead the team through the upcoming big matches.

Bayern is entering a challenging phase on the field without its head coach. But Eberl’s message is clear: Kompany should not return until the medical requirements for his return have been fully met. There will be no premature comeback.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/24/wir-reden-von-wochen-eberl-kuendigt-laengeren-kompany-ausfall-an/.