“It’s a difficult time!”: Eberl reveals Kompany’s exact diagnosis – Kimmich’s return remains uncertain

Since Vincent Kompany’s collapse, there has been speculation about his mysterious illness. Board member for sport Max Eberl has now shed light on the matter and shared good news.

"He is already doing very well, considering the circumstances. He was discharged from hospital today, and that is the best news for all of us," Eberl told ARD before Bayern Munich's DFB Cup match against 1. FC Magdeburg.

Eberl said doctors had identified the condition behind Kompany's troubles over the past week, his collapse and the call for an air ambulance. "They have found out what it is. It is meningeal irritation that caused the incident last Friday," Eberl said.

Already struggling with a virus, Kompany was barely able to coach from the touchline against RB Leipzig. He returned to the dugout against Arsenal while still unwell, having had to cancel all his commitments, including press conferences and training sessions.

Last Friday, he collapsed beside the second team's training session and an air ambulance flew him to hospital. He is also said to have dislocated his shoulder in the fall. Eberl subsequently said the Bayern Munich coach would be out for weeks and that the club would give him all the time he needed to recover fully.

On Wednesday evening, Eberl would not directly confirm whether the news had changed the timeframe for Kompany's return. "He can now do his rehabilitation at home. For him, that means rest and medication. And then I am very, very sure that he will be back on the touchline at 100 per cent very soon. When the doctors say he can return, he will say so too. He will be given all the time he needs. We have talked about weeks from the outset."

Kompany's illness also prompted discussion of his relentless work schedule and lack of sleep. Critics pointed to the sacrifices, criticism and immense pressure that come with coaching in professional football, arguing that they can make people ill.

Overwork, though, had no link to Kompany's collapse and illness, Eberl insisted. "We have pressure and demands in our job. But we have to be careful when it comes to Vinnie's illness," Eberl said. "This is an illness that any of us could get. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but it has nothing to do with the pressure we face in the Bundesliga. It is an illness, and you have to draw a very clear distinction between the two. The virus he had before was not a trigger either. The doctors told me that has been ruled out."

Bayern Munich and Eberl have faced several other difficult issues this season. In the summer, Jamal Musiala's fainting spells and his epilepsy attracted worldwide attention. More recently, alongside Kompany's illness, the club have dealt with the sudden death of Joshua Kimmich's father immediately before the Champions League match against Arsenal. The midfield orchestrator has been absent since then.

"Not many clubs have had to deal with things like this. We're not talking about trivial matters," Eberl said. "These are issues far removed from football, and they show us that football plays only a secondary role. It is a difficult time right now, but you can see how this club stands together."

Eberl also left open whether Kimmich would return for next Saturday's high-profile match against Borussia Dortmund. "If Jo feels he wants to clear his head again now, if you can even put it that way, then he is warmly welcome back at any time. I hope that will happen soon."