Joshua Kimmich ready as Bayern Munich gear up for clash with Arsenal

The 30-year-old was sidelined by manager Vincent Kompany for Bayern's dominant 6-2 Bundesliga victory over SC Freiburg on Saturday, a precautionary measure following a capsular injury to his right ankle sustained while on international duty with Germany. 

Kimmich's absence allowed Kompany to rotate his squad ahead of the high-stakes fixture, but the German international's recovery timeline now aligns perfectly with the trip to north London.

Post-match, Kimmich struck an optimistic tone when speaking to reporters. "I'm getting better every day," he said. Pressed on whether he could play through the discomfort with ankle strapping, the versatile star replied emphatically: "Definitely with it!"

Kompany echoed this optimism in his own press conference earlier in the week, confirming Kimmich's availability while navigating other minor fitness concerns in the squad. "Joshua Kimmich will definitely be available," the Bayern boss stated, adding that defender Hiroki Ito is also set to return from a longer-term layoff.

Kimmich's potential involvement could prove pivotal. Bayern and Arsenal sit atop their respective paths in the revamped 2025/26 Champions League league phase, both unbeaten with maximum points from four matches apiece. A win at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday would not only extend Bayern's flawless run but also give them a psychological edge in what could foreshadow a deeper playoff encounter.

Kimmich's midfield mastery, his vision, passing range, and game-reading ability, has been instrumental in Bayern's high-pressing, possession-dominant style under Kompany, making his presence a game-changer against Mikel Arteta's organized Gunners.

Kompany, meanwhile, emphasized focus amid the buildup, warning his players: "We cannot afford to look beyond the next match." With the Freiburg result showcasing Bayern's depth, the Belgian tactician will relish having his talismanic captain back in contention for what promises to be a tactical chess match in the English capital.

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