Michael Olise
Photo by vitaliivitleo - Depositphotos

Wednesday night’s headline Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Arsenal will take place without a clutch of elite talent, though neither side can claim an unfair tactical advantage: both heavyweights will be missing three pivotal figures.

Bayern’s foremost attacking casualty is Michael Olise, who is serving a suspension following his red card against Viking on matchday two. With the Bavarians also deprived of captain and midfield orchestrator Joshua Kimmich following the sudden passing of his father, Vincent Kompany's side face a pronounced creative deficit in the final third. Adding to their midfield reshuffle, Bayern must once again navigate proceedings without Jamal Musiala, whose absence has become a recurring theme this campaign.

Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to count the cost of the recent international break. Mikel Arteta remains without the services of key defensive pair William Saliba and Piero Hincapié, while Greek forward Christos Tzolis has also failed to recover in time for the trip to Germany.

The two continental heavyweights met in the group phase of the competition last season, where Arsenal claimed a convincing 3-1 victory in north London. Whether a depleted Gunners backline can repeat the feat at the Allianz Arena without their primary defensive pillars remains the defining narrative of the evening.