FC Bayern faces a real test in the Champions League. On Wednesday evening (9 p.m.), the German record champions will host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena. After the 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger, the Munich team wants to make a statement again against the English champions. However, FC Bayern will be without several key players. In addition to Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich will definitely be out as well.

The 31-year-old had already missed the final training session on Tuesday for personal reasons. On Wednesday, FC Bayern confirmed that Kimmich will not play in the match against Arsenal. “Due to a bereavement in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad for today’s match against Arsenal London,” the record champions announced. At the same time, the club asked that the player’s and his family’s privacy be respected.

There were also recent question marks regarding the coaching staff. Vincent Kompany was battling a viral infection and missed both the final training session and the press conference on Tuesday. However, according to BILD, the Belgian rejoined the warm-up session at Säbener Straße on Wednesday morning and is therefore expected to be on the sidelines against Arsenal.

Kimmich is out: Who will take over in Bayern’s midfield?

With Kimmich out, Kompany will have to reshuffle his central midfield at the last minute.

Aleksandar Pavlovic is likely to start in the holding midfield role. Tom Bischof is considered the most likely replacement for Kimmich, having repeatedly demonstrated his qualities in central midfield recently.

Ismael Saibari would also be an option in principle, though the Moroccan is more likely to be considered for a more attacking role.

The goalkeeper situation remains up in the air. Manuel Neuer has largely overcome his foot problems and has recently been able to train with the team again. “He’s been back on the field for two days. We’ll discuss it among the coaching staff,” assistant coach Aaron Danks explained on Tuesday.

If Neuer isn’t ready to play in time, Jonas Urbig would once again take his place between the posts.

Defensively, a back four featuring Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, and Alphonso Davies appears likely.

Lennart Karl as a replacement for Olise?

The second major lineup decision concerns the offense. Michael Olise is suspended after receiving a yellow-red card against Stavanger. This means Munich will have to do without one of their most important creative players.

Lennart Karl is considered a possible replacement. The 18-year-old could start on the right wing, giving him the chance to prove himself against a top European club.

Danks did not want to commit to anything at the press conference. In addition to Karl, Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari are also in the running for the position.

There are strong indications that Gnabry will play, though it remains to be seen whether he’ll start in the center or on the right wing. On the left wing, Luis Díaz is likely to start after his hat trick against Leipzig.

Up front, there’s simply no getting around Harry Kane.

This means Bayern will have to do without two key players against one of Europe’s strongest opponents, of all teams. While Olise is out due to suspension, Kimmich’s personal circumstances—following a bereavement in his family—naturally take precedence.

From a sporting perspective, this presents an opportunity for “second-string” players to step up and take on responsibility in a top-tier Champions League match.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/21/ohne-olise-gegen-arsenal-wie-ersetzt-bayern-den-unersetzlichen/.