Joshua Kimmich has been ruled out of Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League matchday 3 fixture against Arsenal following a bereavement in his immediate family, the German club confirmed on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. The 31-year-old midfielder withdrew from the squad and also missed Bayern's final training session on Tuesday ahead of the high-stakes clash at the Allianz Arena.

Official Statement from Bayern Munich

Bayern released a formal statement confirming Kimmich's absence and appealing for privacy. 'Due to a passing in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad for the match against Arsenal,' the club said. 'On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further enquiries and reporting be refrained from. We send our deepest condolences to Joshua Kimmich and his loved ones,' the statement added. The club did not disclose any further details, in line with the family's wishes.

Bayern's Injury and Suspension Concerns Ahead of Arsenal Tie

Kimmich's absence compounds an already difficult team news situation for Bayern heading into the Arsenal encounter. French winger Michael Olise is suspended after being sent off in Bayern's 3–3 draw against Norwegian side Viking FK in Stavanger. Talismanic playmaker Jamal Musiala remains sidelined with a muscle fibre tear and is not yet available for selection.

Adding further uncertainty, head coach Vincent Kompany himself is a doubt for the dugout after being advised by medical staff to rest following a viral infection. Assistant coach Aaron Danks addressed the situation, saying: 'Vincent has a viral infection. It's important that he gets some rest. We're monitoring the situation constantly and will see how he is tomorrow.'

Bayern's Strong Home Record Against Arsenal

Despite the personnel setbacks, Bayern will draw confidence from a formidable home record against the Premier League champions. In seven Champions League home fixtures against Arsenal, Bayern have won five, drawn one, and lost just one — including victories in each of the last three home meetings. This fixture, therefore, historically favours the hosts, even in adversity.

Champions League Standing and What Is at Stake

Bayern currently sit tenth in the Champions League league phase standings, having accumulated four points from their opening two matches. A positive result against Arsenal — who arrive as one of the competition's most in-form sides — would significantly bolster their position in the expanded 36-team format. The match at the Allianz Arena in Munich is scheduled for Thursday (IST).

With Kimmich's creativity and leadership set to be missed, all eyes will be on how Kompany's stand-in staff set up Bayern against Mikel Arteta's Gunners in what promises to be one of matchday 3's marquee encounters.