On Wednesday evening, FC Bayern will face FC Arsenal at home in the Champions League. It’s the record champions’ first major showdown in the Champions League this season.
After their 3-3 draw against Stavanger on Matchday 2, Bayern now wants to make a statement on the international stage again—not only to test the English champions but also to defeat them.
The press conference ahead of the match against Arsenal focused on clarifying the last remaining questions. Will Manuel Neuer be able to play? And what’s the status of Joshua Kimmich, who was unable to participate in the final training session for “personal reasons”?
Will Neuer and Kimmich be able to play against Arsenal?
Vincent Kompany was not present. He was also unable to lead Bayern’s training session because he is currently battling a virus and is also suffering from hip problems. His assistant, Aaron Danks, therefore took over as head coach at Bayern’s press conference.
After Serge Gnabry had first answered the questions, it was Danks’ turn. He began by stating that Kompany is recovering and that it’s important for him to focus on his recovery right now. As for his involvement on Wednesday, Danks said, “We’ll have to wait and see how things develop.”
Then the conversation turned to Joshua Kimmich. “In his case, it’s for personal reasons. I can’t say more than that yet. I can’t guarantee what his situation will be tomorrow, but for now, he’s not here.”
Danks was then asked about Manuel Neuer’s status. “First of all, it’s wonderful that Manu was back on the field training recently. We haven’t made a decision yet on whether he’ll play tomorrow. But he’s been training well.”
This means that a decision regarding Coach Kompany, as well as Kimmich and Neuer, won’t be made until tomorrow, Wednesday. If Kimmich is out, Aleksandar Pavlović and Tom Bischof would play in central midfield. As usual, Jonas Urbig would be ready to step in for Neuer.