Champions League: Joshua Kimmich to miss Bayern Munich vs Arsenal after a family bereavement

Bayern Munich announced the absence late on Wednesday morning, on X: “Due to a passing in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal.” The Bavarians host the Gunners this evening at the Allianz Arena (21:00 local time), on matchday three of the Champions League league phase, and they will play the fixture without their 31-year-old midfielder.

The club statement also sets the limit: “On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from.” Bayern sends its condolences to Kimmich and his loved ones. The same limit applies to this piece: the circumstances of the passing belong to the family, and nothing here will go looking for them. German and English media picked the announcement up almost immediately.

What Bayern lose tonight

Kimmich, 31, came into this fixture with three assists in six Bundesliga matches and one in two European appearances, per Foot Mercato. He is a midfielder who keeps the ball moving: without him, Bayern lose a first relay in buildup. On the other side, Arsenal arrive in Munich on the back of three straight wins, including a 3-0 over Lille in this competition. Foot Mercato calls both clubs serious contenders for the European crown.

In the coverage read, no replacement had been named, no date of return suggested, and Vincent Kompany had not spoken about the matter. Kick-off stays at 21:00, and Bayern take on Arsenal without Joshua Kimmich.