- Bayern Munich confirmed Joshua Kimmich was absent from their Champions League clash against Arsenal on Wednesday, October 21
- The German club shared a statement requesting that fans and media respect the midfielder's privacy during an incredibly difficult time
- Despite Kimmich's absence, the two sides produced a thrilling encounter at the Allianz Arena
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Bayern Munich confirmed that Joshua Kimmich was left out of their squad for the Champions League group-stage fixture against Arsenal on Wednesday evening due to a bereavement in his immediate family.
Source: Facebook
The German giants shared the news via social media ahead of the match, with a brief but heartfelt statement requesting that supporters and journalists refrain from pressing for further details.
Why Kimmich the Arsenal game
"On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from," the club wrote. "In deep sympathy, the entire FC Bayern stands by Joshua Kimmich's side."
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Additional reports indicate that Kimmich lost his father.
The announcement drew an outpouring of condolences from across the football world, with fans and rival clubs alike setting aside competition to acknowledge the gravity of the moment.
On the pitch, both sides played out a gripping 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena, with the game swinging back and forth throughout the 90 minutes.
How did the Bayern Munich Vs Arsenal game end?
Arsenal drew first blood in the 25th minute through Eberechi Eze, who has stepped into the team following Bukayo Saka's injury, after being teed up by Martin Ødegaard.
Bayern levelled shortly before the break when Alphonso Davies converted following a through-ball from Harry Kane.
Kane then turned goalscorer himself in the 61st minute, slotting home a penalty after Jurriën Timber was penalised for handball to put the hosts ahead.
Arsenal refused to buckle, however, and Declan Rice fired in a leveller in the 82nd minute off a pass from Viktor Gyökeres, ensuring the points were shared.
The result extended Arsenal's unbeaten run in the Champions League league phase to 15 consecutive matches.
See the announcement below:
Football world sends condolences to Kimmich
Away from the match itself, Kimmich's situation was uppermost in many minds. The warmth directed at the midfielder crossed club and fan-group lines.
@AzeezOseni4 wrote:
"The entire Arsenal fan sympathy with Joshua Kimmich. We wish him strength during this difficult moment."
@MrDtAFC noted:
"Some things are bigger than football, condolences to Kimmich and his family."
Bundesliga rivals VfB Stuttgart also responded, writing:
"Our heartfelt condolences! We are thinking of the family and wish them much strength."
@TheHateCentral2 added:
"Sending my condolences, wishing you and your loved ones strength."
@AFC_RaphAel quipped in response to TheHateCentral2:
"Love from hater central?" — a moment of lightness amid the sombre news.
Kimmich remains one of Bayern Munich's most important players, and his absence on such a significant European night underlined just how serious the family situation is. For now, football has rightfully taken a back seat.
What did Mikel Arteta say about Bayern Munich?
TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Mikel Arteta’s praise for Bayern Munich ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash and his response to claims that Michael Olise’s suspension gave his side an advantage.
Arteta said last season’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain still drives his pursuit of European success.
Source: TUKO.co.ke