Champions League Bayern Set For Arsenal Test Without Red Hot Olise

Champions League Bayern Set for Arsenal Test Without Red-Hot Olise Bayern Munich are preparing for a major UEFA Champions League encounter against Arsenal without the services of in-form French winger Michael Olise, in a setback for the German champions ahead of Wednesday’s clash. The fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, with Bayern expected to face a stern challenge from an Arsenal side that has continued to compete at the highest level in European football. Olise’s absence is a significant talking point because of his attacking influence, creativity and ability to unlock opposing defences. His pace, dribbling and eye for goal have made him an important component of Bayern’s forward line. The German side will now have to consider alternative attacking options as they prepare to take on the Premier League club in a contest that could have important implications for their Champions League campaign. Olise will miss the encounter after receiving two yellow cards within a minute during Bayern’s 3-3 Champions League draw against Norwegian side Viking last week. The France international was initially booked for a foul before being sent off for throwing the ball at Viking captain Zlatko Tripic following a verbal exchange. The dismissal was the first red card of his career. The former Crystal Palace winger has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season, recording nine goals and five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions for Bayern. His absence is particularly significant because he has played a central role in Bayern’s attacking output alongside England striker Harry Kane. Kane acknowledged that Bayern would miss Olise but challenged the rest of the squad to take responsibility against Arsenal. “Missing one of your biggest players, you’re going to feel it for sure, but that’s where other people have to step up and show they can take their opportunity,” Kane The England captain has also been in impressive form, registering nine goals and six assists in 10 appearances this season. Kane demonstrated his importance during the draw against Viking, scoring twice and contributing to Bayern’s comeback after they fell two goals behind. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker will be expected to lead Bayern’s attack against his former North London rivals. Bayern received an encouraging boost from Colombian winger Luis Díaz, who delivered an outstanding performance in their 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday. Díaz scored a hat-trick and provided an assist, offering Bayern another attacking option ahead of the Arsenal encounter. With Jamal Musiala also struggling with injury and illness, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany faces important decisions over his attacking selection and the balance of his team. Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl are among the possible options to replace Olise on the right flank. Arsenal travel to Munich after winning 10 of their first 11 matches across all competitions this season, including victories over Napoli and Lille in the Champions League. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to maintain their strong European campaign against a Bayern team seeking to establish its credentials in the competition. Bayern, meanwhile, will be eager to build on their emphatic victory over Leipzig and respond to their previous European setback against Viking. Kane described Arsenal as one of Europe’s best teams and said Bayern were looking forward to the challenge at home. The encounter at the Allianz Arena is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, with both sides expected to approach the match with ambitions of strengthening their position in the Champions League league phase.