Joshua Kimmich to Miss Bayern Munich vs Arsenal Champions League Clash After Father Berthold Dies at 57; Details Inside
Bayern Munich and Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has been ruled out of Wednesday night's UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal following the sudden passing of his father, Berthold Kimmich. The 57-year-old passed away unexpectedly in Germany earlier in the day.
Bayern Munich officially confirmed that the influential midfielder was granted immediate compassionate leave from the first-team squad at the Allianz Arena. The European heavyweight club requested full privacy for Kimmich and his grieving family during this devastating bereavement.
Bayern Munich Grant Immediate Leave Ahead Of Arsenal Blockbuster Bayern confirmed the heartbreaking news hours before kickoff, withdrawing Kimmich from the matchday roster for their European group-stage encounter. You Might Be Interested In The 31-year-old midfielder traveled immediately to be alongside his family in Baden-Wurttemberg following the sudden loss.
Club leadership released a compassionate statement extending deepest sympathies to the Kimmich household while asking supporters to respect their private mourning. Arsenal and UEFA officials were formally briefed on the roster change ahead of the pre-match technical meetings in Munich.
How Berthold Kimmich Built His Son's World-Class Career Berthold, affectionately known as Beppo in his hometown, was a former amateur footballer who first spotted Joshua's extraordinary natural balance in Bösingen. When local villagers doubted his professional prospects, Berthold spent years driving his young son back and forth to VfB Stuttgart's academy sessions.
Their close bond was intimately chronicled in the 2020 national television documentary Der Mensch Joshua Kimmich, showcasing his father's quiet guidance behind closed doors. Throughout Kimmich's rise to eight Bundesliga championships and a Champions League crown, Berthold remained his trusted sounding board and fiercest champion.
Vincent Kompany Forced Into Tactical Midfield Reshuffle Kimmich's unexpected absence creates a significant tactical dilemma for Bayern manager Vincent Kompany against Mikel Arteta's in-form Premier League leaders. As Bayern's primary passing metronome, Kimmich leads the Bundesliga in progressive passes, central touches, and defensive recoveries this season.
Kompany must now reconfigure his central midfield pairing, relying heavily on Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Konrad Laimer, Joao Palhinha. Bayern's defensive unit must also adjust without their on-pitch leader, leaning on Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies to organize against Arsenal's rapid transition attack.