BAYERN’S KIMMICH TO MISS ARSENAL CLASH AFTER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich will miss Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal following a death in his immediate family, the German club has confirmed.

The 31-year-old was absent from Bayern’s final training session on Tuesday, with assistant coach Aaron Danks initially attributing his absence to personal reasons. The club confirmed on Wednesday that Kimmich would not be included in the squad for the match at the Allianz Arena.

In a statement, Bayern expressed its support for the German international and appealed for privacy for him and his family.

“On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from,” the club said.

Bayern also conveyed its condolences to the midfielder, adding that the entire club stood by him during the difficult period.

Kimmich’s absence is a setback for Bayern as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Champions League league phase. The German champions will also be without winger Michael Olise, who is suspended for the encounter.

Bayern head into the fixture after a 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last Saturday. They will be looking to build on that result after drawing 3-3 away to Norwegian side Viking in their previous European outing.

The match against Arsenal is scheduled to take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday evening. Bayern has not disclosed further details about the family bereavement and has asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy.