Vincent Kompany skipped Bayern München's final training session on the eve of Bayern München vs Arsenal because of a viral infection, while Manuel Neuer remains a doubt with a foot issue. The Champions League tie at the Allianz Arena kicks off on 21 October at 19:00 UTC, and Bayern are still trying to manage both calls at once.

Kompany's touchline status

Aaron Danks will handle press duties and may take charge if Kompany cannot make the touchline, which is the most immediate sign of how unsettled Bayern's evening could become. Danks said Kompany has pain in his legs and that rest is the priority, while also adding that he does not know if the head coach will be ready tomorrow or in two or three days' time.

There is still some hope that Kompany will be around the team. Max Eberl said he will be involved tomorrow, whether that is at the Allianz or not, while SPORT1 reported that Bayern expect him to rest because of the viral infection. That leaves the club with a live question rather than a definitive absence.

Neuer's foot issue

Neuer's problem is less dramatic but still important. Eberl said it is only "a bit of fluid on the foot" and that Bayern will see whether he is ready by Wednesday, and he also noted that the goalkeeper was not quite ready for Saturday.

The timing is awkward for Bayern because their results give them real reason to feel calm elsewhere. They are 10th in the Champions League table with 4 points from 2 matches, unbeaten in Europe with a 1 win, 1 draw record, and top of the Bundesliga with 14 points from 6 matches. The 6-1 win over RB Leipzig was the loudest reminder that the team is still carrying momentum.

Arsenal arrive with their own clean European start, having won both of their Champions League matches so far. Piero Hincapié returned to the training pitch on Tuesday afternoon after an ankle injury, so Mikel Arteta has at least one fitness issue of his own to weigh up.

Bayern do not need both Kompany and Neuer to be confirmed fit for the contest to feel serious, but they would rather avoid a late touchline reshuffle and a late goalkeeping decision before a high-level home game. The final call on Wednesday will shape the evening around the two people in charge of it.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →