Bayern Munich announce key star will miss blockbuster Arsenal showdown

The versatile German midfielder was absent from training on the eve of the high-profile league phase contest at the Allianz Arena due to what was initially reported as private reasons.“Due to a passing in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal,” the club said in a statement on the morning of the match.“On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from.“We send our deepest condolences to Joshua Kimmich and his loved ones.”Kimmich - comfortable playing in midfield or at full-back - is a key player for Bayern, remaining a mainstay in their starting XI under head coach Vincent Kompany so far this season.Joshua Kimmich will play no part when Bayern Munich face Arsenal in the Champions LeagueGettyThe 31-year-old has made 504 appearances across all competitions since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015, winning a glut of major silverware including the Champions League and 10 Bundesliga titles.Kimmich has also made 114 appearances at senior international level for Germany, for whom he is the ninth most-capped men’s player of all time.Jamal Musiala remains sidelined with a thigh injury, though influential captain Manuel Neuer is expected to be fit after missing Saturday’s 6-1 thrashing of RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga with a foot problem. Centre-back Kim Min-jae is also available despite being forced off at the weekend.Lennart Karl is expected to replace Olise, with ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry also an option. Tom Bischof should deputise in midfield for Kimmich, alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic.Read MoreGerman publication BILD reported that Kompany was in attendance during Bayern’s pre-game activity on Wednesday morning, suggesting that he is likely to be on the bench against Arsenal.