Kompany resurfaces at Sabener Strasse with arm in a sling, but no return date yet

The image says more than any medical report could: Vincent Kompany walking through Bayern Munich's Sabener Strasse training complex with his arm in a sling. It's the first time he's been spotted at the facility since he collapsed during a training session, and for the Bavarian club, that simple photo already counts as good news.

It all started on October 23, when Kompany suffered a collapse during a session with the second team. Doctors diagnosed him with meningeal irritation, a condition that kept him sidelined for the team's last five matches. Reports indicate he also dislocated his shoulder in the same fall, which is why he's now completing his rehab with his arm immobilized.

Bayern confirmed that the 40-year-old Belgian coach is "on the road to recovery" and will continue his shoulder rehabilitation right at the club's training center. There's still no date set for his return to the touchline, though the fact that he's already back on the grounds reads as a step in the right direction.

Danks held the ship steady in his absence

While Kompany was recovering, assistant Aaron Danks took charge of the team. And he didn't do too badly: he oversaw a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and a 2-2 draw in the top-of-the-table clash with Borussia Dortmund. Not bad at all for someone who had to take the reins overnight.

Sporting director Max Eberl has been the one keeping the club's circle updated on Kompany's progress, though for now nobody in Munich is willing to put a firm date on his return to the sideline. What is on the calendar is the team's next match after the international break: Bayern hosts Cologne at the Allianz Arena on Friday, November 20.

The good news, underneath it all, is that the team hasn't lost ground in the standings despite everything that's happened. Bayern remains atop the Bundesliga, though only on goal difference over a Borussia Dortmund side breathing down its neck. For now, all eyes are on when Kompany can get back to the touchline, but at least he's walking through his own building again.