Bayern without Kimmich for Arsenal clash after family bereavement

Bayern Munich will face Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday without midfielder Joshua Kimmich, after the club announced a bereavement in his immediate family.

In a statement posted on its X account on Wednesday, Bayern said Kimmich is not in the squad for the match at the Allianz Arena. "Due to a passing in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal," the club said.

Bayern asked that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from. The club offered its condolences to Kimmich and his loved ones, saying the whole Bayern family stands with him.

Doubts over Kompany and Neuer

Kimmich's absence adds to Bayern's selection worries. Assistant coach Aaron Danks told a press conference on Tuesday that manager Vincent Kompany has been battling a virus and was at home resting, with his involvement to be assessed day by day.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has returned to training over the past two days, but Bayern have not decided whether he will play against Arsenal. Danks also said Kimmich had missed training for personal reasons, before the club confirmed the family loss on Wednesday.

Bayern will also be without suspended winger Michael Olise. They go into the game hoping to bounce back from last week's 3-3 draw against Viking in Norway, and arrive in good form after a 6-1 win over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Danks said the contest would be decided by fine margins, and that Bayern must prepare for every part of the game and let their players perform without fear.

What happens next

Kick-off is at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Bayern are expected to give an update on Kompany and Neuer closer to the match.