Bayern Munich Hit By Double Blow As Kimmich Misses Arsenal Clash After Family Bereavement

Bayern Munich captain Joshua Kimmich will miss the club’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Arsenal following a death in his immediate family, the German giants have confirmed.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Bayern announced Kimmich’s absence in an official statement ahead of the league-phase fixture at the Allianz Arena, expressing sympathy for the midfielder and his family during the difficult period.

The club also appealed to the media and the public to respect the Germany international’s privacy and allow him and his family to grieve without further inquiries or intrusive reporting.

“Due to a death in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal,” the club stated.

Bayern added that the entire club stood in solidarity with the midfielder and his family, urging everyone to respect their request for privacy.

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

Kimmich’s absence comes as Bayern also face uncertainty over the availability of head coach Vincent Kompany for the crucial European fixture after he reportedly developed a viral infection.

Kompany remained at home on Tuesday to rest, prompting assistant coach Aaron Danks to handle media duties ahead of the match.

Danks confirmed that the illness had caused the Bayern manager pain in his legs, although the club’s medical team was monitoring his condition and had advised him to prioritise rest and recovery.

“It has affected his legs at times and he’s felt some pain,” Danks said.

He explained that the condition was believed to be a virus and that the medical experts were best placed to determine how long the manager would need to recover.

“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,” Danks stated.

The assistant coach admitted that it remained uncertain whether Kompany would recover in time for the Arsenal encounter or require additional days to recuperate.

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

Bayern’s preparations for the high-profile Champions League fixture have therefore been affected by Kimmich’s family bereavement and uncertainty surrounding Kompany’s availability. The club has urged the public to respect Kimmich’s privacy while the team awaits further clarity on the manager’s condition.