FC Bayern faces a difficult challenge. On Wednesday, the German record champions will host Arsenal in the Champions League and, of all people, will have to do so without Michael Olise. The Frenchman is suspended following his yellow-red card against Viking Stavanger. But after the resounding 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig, there is new hope: Luis Díaz has made an impressive return with his hat trick and could prove to be the decisive factor against the Londoners.
Until just a few days ago, Díaz was still one of the problem children of Munich’s offense. The 29-year-old squandered numerous big chances and often seemed unlucky in front of the opponent’s goal.
Against Leipzig, however, he broke out of his slump in spectacular fashion. Three goals, an assist, and numerous dangerous plays made the Colombian the standout player of the evening.
Eberl has high hopes for Díaz
For Bayern, this surge in form comes at the perfect time. With Olise out against Arsenal, the team will be missing one of its most important offensive players.
The Frenchman has already tallied nine goals and five assists in ten competitive matches this season. Along with Harry Kane, he has recently been the most important factor in Munich’s attacking play.
This places even greater responsibility on Díaz. “Lucho is an incredibly important player for us—especially for Wednesday’s game,” emphasized sporting director Max Eberl after the Leipzig match.
In recent weeks, many of Bayern’s attacks have come down the right flank via Olise and Konrad Laimer. Against Arsenal, the offensive focus could now shift more toward the left flank.
There, Díaz is expected to create danger with his speed, dribbling, and rediscovered finishing ability.
Was special leave the key to his sudden surge in performance?
Eberl also has an explanation for why the Colombian is suddenly so accurate in front of goal again.
During the most recent international break, Díaz was granted two weeks of special leave and was able to recover from the stresses of the past few months. “It did Lucho good that he didn’t have to travel to join his national team during the international break and was able to recover a bit,” Eberl explained.
After an exhausting season with 51 competitive matches and 49 goal contributions, followed by the World Cup, Díaz had apparently needed time to return to his usual level of performance.
“He’s already shown in recent games against Augsburg and Stavanger that he’s getting back into form. So it’s all the more satisfying that he rewarded himself with three goals against Leipzig,” said the Bayern boss.
While Díaz is getting back into form just in time, Kompany needs to find a solution on the right side of the attack. Lennart Karl is considered a possible replacement for Olise. Serge Gnabry is also an option.
One thing is certain: Without Olise, Bayern’s attacking play against Arsenal will have to look different. If Díaz can replicate his stellar performance against Leipzig, the record champions could at least partially make up for the Frenchman’s absence.