One of Bayern’s most important players will now miss the Allianz Arena meeting on compassionate leave, while several other key figures are also unavailable or doubtful.
Bayern Munich will be without Joshua Kimmich against Arsenal tonight following the sudden death of his father, Berthold, aged just 57.
Kimmich had missed Tuesday’s training for ‘personal reasons’, but the initial expectation was that he would still be available for the Champions League meeting.
Bayern have now confirmed that he will miss the match following the tragic bereavement.
Kimmich joins Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala among Bayern’s confirmed absentees.
Olise is serving a one-match European suspension after receiving two yellow cards in Bayern’s 3-3 draw away to Viking.
The former Crystal Palace star scored their third goal in Saturday’s 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig, taking his tally for the season to nine.
Lennart Karl, who scored against Arsenal last season, is the favourite to replace him on the right.
Musiala is still recovering from the thigh tear suffered on international duty last month.
Reports suggest he requires approximately another week, which would take his total absence to around a month, although that remains a provisional estimate rather than a confirmed comeback date.
Ismael Saibari played as the number 10 against Leipzig and is expected to continue there.
There is also uncertainty over Manuel Neuer.
The goalkeeper has missed Bayern’s past two matches with a foot problem which sporting director Max Eberl described as “a bit of fluid on the foot”.
Eberl said it was “nothing serious”, although it was still enough to keep Neuer out against Viking and Leipzig.
The 40-year-old returned to training on Tuesday, putting him in contention for tonight.
Jonas Urbig has deputised in Neuer’s absence and is ready to continue if required.
Bayern could even be without their head coach on the touchline.
Vincent Kompany has a viral infection that is causing him leg pain and missed Tuesday’s training session and press conference.
Assistant Aaron Danks has handled preparations in his absence.
Reports differ over whether Kompany will be able to attend tonight, so his involvement remains uncertain.
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