Kompany confident Diaz will return in ´top mental state´ after short break

Vincent Kompany expects Luis Diaz to be in a “top mental state” when he returns from suspension after their Champions League meeting with Sporting CP.

Diaz was sent off for a poor tackle on Achraf Hakimi in Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on November 4 and subsequently missed the 3-1 loss to Arsenal.

The Colombian has played in every other Bayern game in all competitions this season and is their second-highest scorer with 12 goals, behind Harry Kane (28).

He has also provided seven assists, with only Michael Olise (10) recording more.

Diaz has been a key part of Bayern’s success in 2025-26, and their only loss this term came when he was not in the side – against Arsenal – but Kompany believes the short break from playing will benefit the winger.

“Lucho has played every game for us and his national team. He has the longest journeys,” Kompany said.

“He played in England and never had Christmas off. It’s fine for him to have a few days off and go away. He’ll then return in a top mental state and pick up where he left off.

“Lucho will be back against Heidenheim [on December 21]. He can switch off a bit before then.”

Bayern are unbeaten in their last 36 home matches in the league/group phase of the Champions League (W34 D2), since a defeat to Manchester City in December 2013 (2-3).

And the Bavarians have a good record against Sporting, going unbeaten in each of their last four meetings (all Champions League), winning three and drawing one.

Their last clash, in the last 16 of the 2008-09 Champions League, saw Bayern win 12-1 on aggregate, winning the home leg 7-1.

But Sporting, who have won just one of their last 17 away games against German sides in Europe (D2 L14), are eighth in the league table and would leapfrog Bayern with a win on Tuesday.

“They’re a complete team who are very compact when they defend,” Kompany said of Sporting. “They’re also very dangerous on the counter.

“Their backline is very active and steps up. They pressed high against Benfica. They have good players and no fear of getting forward.

“They also have lots of players for the future. They’re an exciting team. We need to be at 100%. Sporting are in the top eight for a reason.”

Bayern will have Manuel Neuer back in goal for Sporting’s visit, having missed their 5-0 win over Stuttgart last time out, while Alphonso Davies is also set to return to the squad after a nine-month lay-off.

Kompany’s side are third in the table but would go level with leaders Arsenal with a win at the Allianz Stadium.

His main focus, however, is on clinching an automatic place in the knockout rounds.

“The stats people say five wins and a draw is maybe enough,” he added. “But I don’t like to think like that.

“We’re playing at home [on Tuesday], we have two of our last three games at home. We’re very close, and things look good right now.”