Vincent Kompany has been discharged from hospital after collapsing at Bayern Munich's training ground, with the club reporting that he is "doing well" as he begins his recovery.
The Belgian was taken to hospital six days ago after being taken ill at the club's base. Max Eberl, Bayern's board member for sports, told German broadcaster ARD on Wednesday: "Given the circumstances, he's doing well. He was discharged from the hospital today. That is the biggest and best news for all of us."
Cause of Collapse Identified
Doctors investigated the reasons behind his illness and identified it as meningeal irritation, an inflammation of the protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
In the days before his collapse, Kompany had been dealing with a virus and missed some team training sessions. He skipped a pre-match news conference ahead of Bayern's Champions League game against Arsenal last Tuesday, but was in the dugout for that match.
"It's a meningeal irritation that caused this incident on Friday. He will now rest and take medication," said Eberl, speaking before Bayern's German Cup tie against Magdeburg. "I am very confident that he will be back on the touchline, operating at 100% very soon."
Kompany to Miss Weeks, Not Days
No timeline has been set for Kompany's return, and Bayern have said he will not be back in the dugout for "weeks, not days". In his absence, English assistant coach Aaron Danks has taken charge and was at the helm for the 3-1 win at Freiburg on Sunday.
Current leaders Bayern face title rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The two teams are the only unbeaten sides in the Bundesliga and each sit on 17 points, with Kompany's side top on goal difference.
Kane Pays Tribute
Bayern will boast the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner in Harry Kane, who has continued to shatter records since moving to Germany. The Englishman paid tribute to Kompany during his winner's speech and wished him a speedy recovery.
He said: "To Vinnie. I know he's at home, or still in the hospital. I wish you well, and I hope this has given you a bit of energy. Since I've been with you at, I have improved as a player, a person and a leader. I'm glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern."
