Bitter for Kompany

Bayern comeback delayed by “a few weeks”

Vincent Kompany will still have to do without Josip Stanisic.(Bild: AFP/APA/Alexandra BEIER)

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund announced on Tuesday that Josip Stanisic's return will be delayed. The Croatian will therefore still not be available to coach Vincent Kompany as a defensive reinforcement. However, there is good news for two other players.

"It will take a few more weeks for Stanisic," Freund confirmed at FC Bayern's press conference ahead of the DFB Cup match against Mainz 05 on Wednesday (8.45pm). The Croatian tore a collateral ligament in his right knee after returning from Leverkusen in August. 

Christoph Freund(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The 24-year-old recently returned to running training. This had raised hopes of an imminent return, but Freund nipped these hopes in the bud today. The Croatian is not willing to take any risks. 

Two players back soon?
A bitter pill to swallow for Kompany, who could do with further support for a defense that has often been less than solid of late. However, this could soon be available regardless of Stanisic's personnel situation. Because things are looking better for both Sacha Boey and Hiroki Ito, explains the sporting director. 

Boey should be integrated into team training in the next five to ten days and be available again soon. New signing Ito should be an option again after the international break in November. Alexandar Pavlovic, on the other hand, will not be back on the pitch for the record champions this year.