Why Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich Missed Arsenal Clash

Bayern Munich confirmed Joshua Kimmich was absent from their Champions League clash against Arsenal on Wednesday, October 21The German club shared a statement requesting that fans and media respect the midfielder's privacy during an incredibly difficult timeDespite Kimmich's absence, the two sides produced a thrilling encounter at the Allianz ArenaSearch option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉

Bayern Munich confirmed that Joshua Kimmich was left out of their squad for the Champions League group-stage fixture against Arsenal on Wednesday evening due to a bereavement in his immediate family.

Bayern Munich confirmed Joshua Kimmich lost a close family member. Photo: Joshua Kimmich. Source: FacebookThe German giants shared the news via social media ahead of the match, with a brief but heartfelt statement requesting that supporters and journalists refrain from pressing for further details.

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Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉

Additional reports indicate that Kimmich lost his father.

The announcement drew an outpouring of condolences from across the football world, with fans and rival clubs alike setting aside competition to acknowledge the gravity of the moment.

On the pitch, both sides played out a gripping 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena, with the game swinging back and forth throughout the 90 minutes.

Arsenal drew first blood in the 25th minute through Eberechi Eze, who has stepped into the team following Bukayo Saka's injury, after being teed up by Martin Ødegaard.

Bayern levelled shortly before the break when Alphonso Davies converted following a through-ball from Harry Kane.

Kane then turned goalscorer himself in the 61st minute, slotting home a penalty after Jurriën Timber was penalised for handball to put the hosts ahead.

Arsenal refused to buckle, however, and Declan Rice fired in a leveller in the 82nd minute off a pass from Viktor Gyökeres, ensuring the points were shared.

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The result extended Arsenal's unbeaten run in the Champions League league phase to 15 consecutive matches.

Away from the match itself, Kimmich's situation was uppermost in many minds. The warmth directed at the midfielder crossed club and fan-group lines.

Bundesliga rivals VfB Stuttgart also responded, writing:

@AFC_RaphAel quipped in response to TheHateCentral2:

Kimmich remains one of Bayern Munich's most important players, and his absence on such a significant European night underlined just how serious the family situation is. For now, football has rightfully taken a back seat.

Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Bayern Munich ahead of blockbuster Champions League clash

TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Mikel Arteta’s praise for Bayern Munich ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash and his response to claims that Michael Olise’s suspension gave his side an advantage.

Arteta said last season’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain still drives his pursuit of European success.

DanVictor Munene (Entertainment editor) Danvictor is a journalist accredited by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), currently covering entertainment news at Tuko.co.ke. He began his career at The Star Kenya, where he extensively covered the 2024 Gen-Z led anti-government protests. He has work experience in political news, current affairs, social media management, and audience engagement. You can reach him at danvictor.munene@tuko.co.ke to share your story.