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According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Bayern Munich will be without Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise for their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League encounter against Arsenal. The absence of the two important players presents a significant challenge for manager Vincent Kompany as his team prepares to face Mikel Arteta’s side at the Allianz Arena.
Kimmich will miss the match following a death in his immediate family, while Olise is unavailable because of a suspension. Their absence leaves Bayern without two influential players ahead of a crucial European fixture against one of the Premier League’s strongest teams.
Bayern Munich had hoped to maintain their impressive performances in Europe, but the unavailability of the two players could force Kompany to make tactical adjustments. The manager will need to identify suitable replacements and ensure that his team remains competitive against Arsenal.
Kimmich’s absence is particularly significant because it is connected to a personal tragedy rather than an injury or disciplinary matter. The German midfielder missed Tuesday’s training session before being excluded from the squad for Wednesday’s encounter.
German publication Bild reported that Kimmich’s father, Thomas, had died. Bayern Munich subsequently confirmed the family bereavement in an official announcement, although the club did not disclose further details about the circumstances.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Bayern Munich said: “Due to a death in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal London.”
The club also appealed for the midfielder’s privacy to be respected during this difficult period. Bayern requested that further inquiries and reporting concerning the matter be avoided, allowing Kimmich and his family to grieve without unnecessary public attention.
The German champions expressed their sympathy and confirmed their support for Kimmich and his family as they cope with the loss. The club’s response highlighted the importance of standing behind the player during a deeply personal and challenging time.
Meanwhile, Olise’s suspension represents another setback for Kompany, who must prepare his team without the French winger’s attacking contributions. His absence could affect Bayern’s attacking options and limit the manager’s flexibility when selecting his starting lineup.
With both players unavailable, Bayern Munich will rely on other members of the squad to deliver a strong performance against Arsenal. The encounter is expected to test the depth of Kompany’s team as the German giants seek a positive result in their Champions League campaign.