FC Bayern prepares for Der Klassiker amid Kimmich return and Kompany absence

FC Bayern Munich prepares to face Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s Bundesliga Klassiker while navigating an unusual period of transition marked by Joshua Kimmich’s bereavement and head coach Vincent Kompany’s medical leave, T-Online reported.

Kimmich Returns to Training Following Family Bereavement

The reality around the Säbener Straße training ground shifted abruptly over the preceding ten days following a private tragedy in the immediate family of vice-captain Joshua Kimmich. Sportvorstand Max Eberl addressed the situation during Friday morning’s pre-match press conference, stating that life had changed for the midfielder and emphasizing that the club would provide full support rather than mere words. Having missed the previous three fixtures during his time away, Kimmich returned to club facilities on Thursday, completing two individual sessions before rejoining full team training on Friday. Interim coach Aaron Danks noted that the club would assess his progress to determine if Saturday’s fixture arrives at the right moment for his inclusion in the matchday squad.

Danks Replaces Ailing Kompany as Bayern Meets Dortmund on Equal Footing

Vincent Kompany continues his recovery following a collapse on the training pitch, leaving assistant Aaron Danks in charge of the team for the top-of-the-table clash. Abendzeitung-Muenchen.de reported that Danks received explicit instructions not to involve the head coach in tactical discussions, ensuring Kompany receives necessary rest and family time. Bayern enters the match tied on points with Borussia Dortmund after seven rounds of Bundesliga fixtures, prompting Eberl to describe the encounter as a meeting of equals against a rival that has consistently pushed the Munich club over the preceding eighteen months.

Neuer and Musiala Among Absentee List for the Klassiker

Bayern must manage a depleted roster for the 18:30 local time (16:30 UTC) kickoff at Signal Iduna Park. Captain Manuel Neuer remains sidelined due to ongoing foot pain, with Danks confirming that the fixture arrives slightly too early for his recovery. Abendzeitung-Muenchen.de noted that Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz, and Bara Ndiaye also miss the match through injury. Despite these absences, Danks expressed full confidence in the squad’s readiness for the global spotlight of the German Klassiker.