Arsenal will visit Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in a matchup of European heavyweights that are always looking to add more silverware to their already well-stocked trophy cases. Both teams come into this clash with a myriad of injury/fitness concerns, so let’s get straight to the team news, for both sides, starting with the visitors. Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi has recovered from the minor ankle injury that briefly sidelined him, so he’s passed it and available. There is a new injury concern though, in backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Of course, he wouldn’t be selected for this Champions League match, at Bayern Munich, anyway.
UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 of 8
Kickoff: Wed. Oct 21, 8pm
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
UCL Standing, Form: Arsenal 7th, 6 pts, WW Bayern Munich 10th, 04 pts, WD
Preview Material for Both Sides: Team News Predicted Starting XIs
Team News for Both Sides
Kepa most likely would not be selected until the EFL Cup fourth round tie, against Fleetwood, and that is in eight days time. Given that his issue is reportedly a knock, he should be fine for that. Arsenal remain without the services of Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and William Saliba.
All three should make their return at some point next month.
Shifting gears to the Bavarian powerhouse, superstar forward Michael Olise will sit this one out, due to a suspension. The former Crystal Palace man was booked for a truly bone-headed gesture against Viking, in the last round of this continental competition.
He has no one to blame but himself for missing out here. Elsewhere the first choice goalkeeper, 40 years young Manuel Neuer sat out this past weekend, due to a minor foot issue. He is expected to be available for selection here, however.
Bayern did just fine without him, routing RB Leipzig 6-1. That much saw defender Kim Min-jae forced off early, presumably do to injury, and thus, he’s a doubt here. Jamal Musiala remains out, due to his standing thigh injury.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.