Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Arsenal already handed major boost ahead of Bayern Munich clash after new development

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Mikel Arteta will already be making plans ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

Arsenal beat Slavia Prague 3-0 to move second in the Champions League table, only behind the German giants on goals scored, having yet to even concede in the competition so far.

Their London rivals, Tottenham, are up against PSG in the next round, but the Gunners can put Thomas Frank's side to shame if they can take top spot on Wednesday, 26 November.

Despite facing an injury-stricken campaign, Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal's top scorer in Europe so far this season, but it is one of Vincent Kompany's latest blows that will be the focus.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stands with his arms folded on the touchline.
Mikel Arteta will be looking to beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League. (Credit: Imago)

Vincent Kompany to be without several stars vs Arsenal

Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, and Serge Gnabry could all be missing for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, and now Bayern will be without another of their attackers.

After being sent off against PSG for a challenge on Achraf Hakimi, some fans wanted the Germans to appeal the decision, but it has gotten even worse for Kompany instead.

Instead, it has been confirmed that the former Liverpool winger will serve a three-match ban for "serious rough play", having had his yellow card upgraded to a red at the Parc des Princes.

Given that Jurrien Timber could have been sent off against Sunderland, or at least former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett thought so, the defender will be breathing a sigh of relief.

Who could Jurrien Timber be up against instead of Luis Diaz?

Tim Bischof, 20, could be thrown onto the right wing, having played there previously this season, but it will be difficult to predict, given that the Gunners are a much more difficult opponent than many.

Raphael Guerreiro has plenty of ability in the final third, so Kompany could choose to move the full-back further forward, but that might make Timber's defensive job easier.

Either way, losing Diaz is a huge blow for Bayern, and one that is massively talked about in the build-up to the game at the Emirates.

A weakness on that side could also benefit the Gunners in the final third, with Bukayo Saka likely to run riot if he can spot an area to exploit.

Arsenal
Bayern Munich
Luis Diaz
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