Bayern Munich sit at the top of the Bundesliga, but the most pressing story at the club right now has nothing to do with the table. Coach Vincent Kompany collapsed at the training ground last Friday, was airlifted to hospital, and has since been diagnosed with meningitis. Sportvorstand Max Eberl confirmed the news before Wednesday's DFB-Pokal tie, offering some relief by announcing that Kompany had been discharged and would recover at home. A return before the November international break remains unlikely, with co-trainer Aaron Danks continuing to take charge on the touchline.

On the pitch, Bayern gave their supporters something to enjoy despite the turbulence. Without Kompany, Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz, they beat second-division Magdeburg 6-1 in the DFB-Pokal. Michael Olise was the standout performer, scoring twice and adding an assist, while summer signing Ismael Saibari took his chance emphatically in Kane's absence. The result kept Bayern unbeaten across all competitions this season, a distinction no other club in Europe's top five leagues currently holds.

There are, however, genuine concerns in defence. Bayern have conceded in each of their last six matches, and the centre-back partnership remains unsettled, with Min-jae Kim and Jonathan Tah competing for the starting spot alongside Dayot Upamecano. With Borussia Dortmund arriving at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, level on points at the top of the Bundesliga, the timing of Kompany's absence could hardly be more difficult.