Bayern Munich are navigating one of the most turbulent weeks in their recent history, with head coach Vincent Kompany hospitalised after collapsing at the training ground on Friday. The 40-year-old Belgian, who had already been battling a virus infection, was airlifted to a Munich clinic and is expected to remain absent for several weeks. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed Kompany is stable but refused to set a timeline for his return, saying the club would "not build any time corridors." Co-trainer Aaron Danks steps in to lead the team.

The injury list compounds the pressure significantly. For Sunday's Bundesliga trip to Freiburg, Bayern are without Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Luis Díaz, Jamal Musiala, Min-Jae Kim and possibly Aleksandar Pavlovic. Kimmich is absent following the death of his father, while the others carry various muscular complaints. Jonas Urbig replaces Neuer in goal, and Tom Bischof is expected to anchor midfield.

Despite the chaos, Bayern's competitive position remains solid. They sit second in the Bundesliga on 14 points from six games, one place and three points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, and face a Freiburg side third in the table. Their recent form, including a 6-1 win over RB Leipzig and a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League, shows the squad retains quality even when stretched. The immediate challenge is holding that form together while their manager recovers.