Champions League: Bayern Face Arsenal Without Suspended Olise
Bayern Munich face a major test of their UEFA Champions League ambitions when they host English champions Arsenal on Wednesday without influential winger Michael Olise, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards within a minute during their 3-3 draw with Viking last week. Olise was sent off after throwing the ball at Viking captain Zlatko Tripic following a verbal exchange, marking the first dismissal of his career. The London-born winger, who previously featured in Arsenal’s youth system, has maintained his impressive form this season, recording nine goals and five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions. With Jamal Musiala struggling with injury and illness, while Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl have yet to hit top form, Olise and England captain Harry Kane have carried much of Bayern’s attacking responsibility. Kane has contributed nine goals and six assists in 10 games, including two goals and an assist in the comeback against Viking. Following Bayern’s 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, Kane acknowledged Olise’s importance but urged other players to seize the opportunity to make an impact.
Luis Diaz was among the standout performers against Leipzig, scoring three goals and providing an assist in one of his strongest displays since joining Bayern from Liverpool in 2025. Kane, a former Tottenham captain, said Bayern were relishing the opportunity to face Arsenal, whom they edged out in the 2023-24 Champions League quarter-finals before losing 3-1 in last season’s league phase. Arsenal, still seeking redemption after their penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last season, have made an impressive start to the campaign, winning 10 of their first 11 matches in all competitions. Kane described Mikel Arteta’s side as one of Europe’s best teams and said Bayern were looking forward to the challenge at home, where the atmosphere and support from fans could prove important in a highly anticipated encounter.
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