Bayern Munich hit by virus scare as Arsenal arrive for Champions League showdown

Bayern Munich face a potential injury crisis ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena, with manager Vincent Kompany reported to be suffering from a virus that has raised concern inside the club.

According to German newspaper BILD, relayed by Sport Witness, Kompany underwent a thorough examination by the club’s medical staff on Monday. The report notes that “internally, the illness is not being taken lightly,” with the Belgian having felt clearly unwell around the time of Bayern’s recent victory over RB Leipzig. Although Kompany delivered his team talks in the dressing room, he was forced to lie down briefly on the sofa in his coaching room both at half-time and after the final whistle.

His close proximity to players and other members of the coaching staff in the days that follow is described as a cause for concern, with Bayern already navigating a demanding stretch of fixtures.

Compounding the situation, Bayern will be without winger Michael Olise for the Arsenal fixture. The French international was sent off during Bayern’s Europa League clash against Viking in Stavanger after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession — the first for pulling back Zlatko Tripic to halt a transition, the second for immediately throwing the ball into the Norwegian’s face. Referee Georgi Kabakov had little choice but to dismiss him.

The red card proved costly. Bayern had fought back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 before Kompany’s ten men were pegged back to 3-3, leaving the Bundesliga champions with a shock draw against the Norwegian minnows.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have received an encouraging fitness update of their own. Defender Piero Hincapie has returned to training on grass after picking up an injury before the international break, giving Mikel Arteta’s squad an additional option heading into the tie.

Both clubs arrive at the Allianz Arena as genuine contenders for the Champions League title. Arsenal were beaten finalists last season, topping the league phase with eight consecutive wins before falling at the final hurdle against Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern reached the semi-finals before suffering the same fate. With the draw for the knockout stage shaped significantly by where teams finish in the league phase, Wednesday’s result carries real weight beyond the three points on offer.