UCL: Bayern Captain Kimmich To Miss Arsenal Clash

Bayern Munich captain Joshua Kimmich will be absent from his side’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Arsenal following a death in his immediate family, the German club has confirmed.

Bayern are scheduled to host the Premier League champions in a Matchday Three fixture of the Champions League league phase on Wednesday, but they will have to cope without the influential midfielder.

In a statement confirming Kimmich’s absence, Bayern Munich said: “Due to a death in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal,” a Bayern statement said.

The club also appealed for privacy and understanding as the player and his family deal with their loss.

“On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from.

“In deep sympathy, the entire FC Bayern stands by Joshua Kimmich’s side.”

Meanwhile, Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany is also a doubt for the encounter after reportedly suffering from a viral infection that has caused pain in his legs.

Kompany remained at home on Tuesday to rest, while assistant coach Aaron Danks handled media duties ahead of the crucial European fixture.

Providing an update on the manager’s condition, Danks said: “It has affected his legs at times and he’s felt some pain,” Danks said.

He added that the medical team had advised Kompany to prioritise his recovery, with his availability for the Arsenal match still uncertain.

“It’s just a virus. The doctors, the experts, know way more than I do.

The most important thing we’ve just encouraged is that he rests, he takes the time he needs, whatever that may be, however long that may be.

“Whether that’s tomorrow or whether it’s two, three days’ time, I don’t know at this moment. Getting Vince to rest is a challenge.”