Bayern Munich could be without Neuer and Musiala for Arsenal clash

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Arsenal's Champions League trip to face Bayern Munich next week could come with a silver lining, as reports suggest two of the German side's key figures may be absent for the fixture.

According to Standard Sport, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala are both set to miss Bayern's match this weekend through fitness problems, with questions now being raised over whether either will be ready in time to face Arsenal.

Musiala is reportedly almost certain to miss the Champions League meeting with Arsenal because of his fitness issues, which would represent a notable absence for Bayern given the 22 year old's importance to their attacking play. Neuer's situation is described as less clear, with his availability for the Arsenal fixture still uncertain based on the information reported.

A boost on top of Olise's red card

The news follows Michael Olise's red card for Bayern against Viking, another incident that has added uncertainty to the German club's squad ahead of the trip to north London. Olise's availability for the Arsenal match also remains unclear at this stage.

Arsenal will be aware that Bayern remain one of the most dangerous sides left in the competition regardless of who is missing from their squad. Vincent Kompany's side have long been established among Europe's elite, and even a weakened team is capable of causing problems.

Arsenal eyeing another big European result

Arsenal reached last season's Champions League final and have made a positive start to this season's European campaign, with Mikel Arteta's side determined to show they can compete with the continent's best on a consistent basis.

Facing a Bayern side potentially missing Neuer, Musiala and possibly Olise would represent a significant opportunity for Arsenal to pick up a result against one of the tournament's traditional heavyweights. Arteta would still want his own squad at full strength to make the most of any advantage, with the fixture shaping up as a major test of Arsenal's credentials in this season's competition.

Further clarity on the fitness of Bayern's absentees is expected to emerge in the build up to the match, with Arsenal continuing their own preparations in the meantime.