Bayern Munich will face an early test of their ability to compete for the UEFA Champions League title when they host English champions Arsenal on Wednesday in the third round of the league phase. However, the German side will be without their outstanding French winger Michael Olise.
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Olise, who was born in London and began his career in Arsenal’s youth system, is suspended after receiving two yellow cards within a single minute during Bayern’s disappointing 3–3 draw with Norwegian side Viking last week.
After being booked for a foul, Olise, who appeared visibly frustrated, reacted to verbal provocation from Viking captain Zlatko Tripić, a Croatian-born player, by throwing the ball towards his head. The incident resulted in the first red card of Olise’s career.
Having been named among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or following his impressive performances last season, the former Crystal Palace winger has continued to shine this campaign.
Olise has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 10 appearances for Bayern across all competitions.
With Jamal Musiala struggling with injury and illness, while Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl have seen their form dip, Olise and the ever-reliable English striker Harry Kane have shouldered much of Bayern’s attacking burden this season.
England captain Kane has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 10 matches.
When Bayern fell 2–0 behind away to Viking last week, Kane almost single-handedly led the comeback, scoring twice and setting up another goal.
Speaking after Bayern’s emphatic 6–1 Bundesliga victory over Leipzig on Saturday, Kane acknowledged that the team would miss Olise’s influence but urged the rest of the star-studded squad to take responsibility.
“When you miss one of your most important players, you are certainly going to feel it. But that is when others need to step up and show they can take advantage of their opportunity,” Kane said.
“We talk a lot about the strength of our squad and the need for everyone to be ready for the right moment. Whoever plays has to be prepared.”
Colombian winger Luis Díaz was among the many positives Bayern took from their emphatic win over Leipzig on Saturday.
The 29-year-old had been frustrated by a modest start to the season, but he scored three goals and provided another assist in one of his best performances since joining Bayern from English side Liverpool in 2025.
“One of the best teams in Europe”
Despite moving from north London to the Bavarian capital in 2023, Kane has followed Arsenal closely since joining Bayern.
The German side faced the Gunners over two legs in the 2023–2024 Champions League quarterfinals, advancing by a single goal on aggregate. However, Bayern lost 3–1 to Arsenal in the league phase of last season’s edition.
With domestic and international fixtures coming thick and fast, Kane has had little time to exchange friendly messages with his Arsenal rivals.
“I spoke to them a little during the previous international break, and we knew this match was coming up. But I think we are all too busy to be messaging each other now, with a game every three days,” he explained.
Bayern’s comprehensive victory over Leipzig once again demonstrated the German giants’ superiority over their domestic rivals. Arsenal, however, present a different kind of challenge, and Kane and his teammates are looking forward to facing Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are still dealing with the disappointment of losing last season’s Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Nevertheless, they have made a strong start to the current campaign, winning 10 of their 11 matches across all competitions.
“It is a big game against one of the best teams in Europe, and you always have to enjoy these occasions,” Kane said.
“We are testing ourselves against one of the best, and we are playing at home. The energy from the fans will make it a special night.”
Source: AFP
