MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 18: (LR) Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern M??nchen Michael Olise of FC Bayern M??nchen celebrates the victory after the Bundesliga 2026/27 match between FC Bayern M??nchen and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on September 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 18: (LR) Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern M??nchen Michael Olise of FC Bayern M??nchen celebrates the victory after the Bundesliga 2026/27 match between FC Bayern M??nchen and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on September 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Arsenal face their sternest test of the season so far against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The German giants have made a typically formidable start to the new season and are unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions.
Vincent Kompany’s side will, however, be without two key players at the Allianz Arena this evening with both Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise absent.
The club captain skipped training on Tuesday and is set to be omitted from the matchday squad following the death of his father, Thomas, according to Bild.
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Olise, meanwhile, is serving a one-game suspension after he was sent-off during Bayern’s 3-3 draw against Viking last week.
His place in the starting line-upis set to be taken by former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry who spoke in glowing terms of his former club in yesterday’s pre-match press conference.
‘It’s always a special game against a former club,’ he said. ‘I grew up there and I’m really looking forward to it.
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‘We last played at the Emirates. It’s a bit strange to play against a coach you used to play with. We want to win, that’s what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to the game.’
On his former teammate Mikel Arteta, he added: ‘He was a leader in the team back then, also our captain. He talked a lot with young players like me and Hector Bellerin and always had an open ear for us.
‘That shows what kind of personality he has. He led the team to this great success last season. He’s doing a very good job.’
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Midori Ikenouchi/Hasan Bratic/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock (17222343bx) 17.10.2026, Allianz Arena, M?nchen, GER, 1.FBL, FC Bayern M?nchen vs RB Leipzig , im Bild. Trainer Vincent Kompany (M?nchen). DFL regulations prohibit any use of photographs as image sequences and/or quasi-video. GER, 1.FBL, FC Bayern M?nchen vs RB Leipzig - Allianz Arena, M?nchen, Deutschland - 17 Oct 2026
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Midori Ikenouchi/Hasan Bratic/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock (17222343bx) 17.10.2026, Allianz Arena, M?nchen, GER, 1.FBL, FC Bayern M?nchen vs RB Leipzig , im Bild. Trainer Vincent Kompany (M?nchen). DFL regulations prohibit any use of photographs as image sequences and/or quasi-video. GER, 1.FBL, FC Bayern M?nchen vs RB Leipzig - Allianz Arena, M?nchen, Deutschland - 17 Oct 2026
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, too, is unlikely to be on the sidelines this evening due to illness.
‘It has affected his legs at times, he found some pain in his legs,’ revealed Bayern assistant Aaron Danks.
‘It’s just a virus. The doctors know way more than I do. The most important thing is that he rests and takes the time he needs.
‘I don’t know whether that will be tomorrow or 2-3 days. We’re taking it day by day.’