Though for very different reasons, Bayern‘s starting XI to face the Gunners will be highlighted by the key absences of Musiala and Olise. Still, Kompany will have other top stars available in the squad, including Harry Kane, who knows a thing or two about facing Arsenal.

As the North London club arrives at Allianz Arena, Kane will be waiting, fork and knife in hand, bib in place, ready to have a meal. The same can’t be said about Musiala and Olise, though.

Musiala is out with injury

Musiala is still sidelined with a muscle tear in his right thigh. The 2026-27 season has been filled with adversity for Musiala, who cleared concerns and explained why he fainted twice during the preseason, but hasn’t been a regular presence for Bayern due to multiple health setbacks.

His latest injury occured during warmups in an international game for Germany and has kept Musiala inactive since Sept. 24. So far in the season, Musiala has only played four games (213 minutes, according to Transfermarkt), scoring two goals and assisting another.

Olise must serve suspension

As for Olise, the reason for the Londoner’s absence is much different. Olise was shown two yellow cards, resulting in a red one, during Bayern’s shocking 3-3 tie against Viking in Matchday 2 of the Champions League. As is standard for such send-offs, Olise will have to serve a one-game suspension, keeping him out of the lineup against Arsenal.

Olise’s bookings happened just seconds apart making for an uncommon ejection. It was Olise’s first red card of his senior career, and it has cost him his appearance against the Gunners.

Key takeaways

• Bayern Munich will miss Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Michael Olise against Arsenal.
• Jamal Musiala remains sidelined with a muscle tear in his right thigh.
• Michael Olise is suspended following a red card received against Viking.

Coming off a head-scratching outing in Bayern’s 2-2 draw against Augsburg in Bundesliga action, Neuer’s demotion raised eyebrows. However, the decision apparently has nothing to do with the veteran’s recent, out-of-character form. Instead, Neuer has been sidelined as a precaution by Kompany and the coaching staff.

“[Neuer] can’t train [Monday]. He’s felt something in his foot,” Kompany said, via ESPN. “So that quickly answers the question of who will be in goal [Tuesday]. It makes no sense to take any unnecessary risks. I don’t want to call it an injury. But when you feel something and it doesn’t get better, at some point you realize we need to do something, and we’ll do that by taking no risk if he doesn’t feel 100 percent.”

Who replaces Neuer in goal for Bayern?

As Neuer deals with the setback in his foot—Kompany refused to call it an injury per se—the Bavarians will start Jonas Urbig in goal on the controversial artificial pitch in Stavanger, Norway. It will be Urbig’s third game of the season and his eighth career UEFA Champions League appearance. Urbig has been in bigger continental games before, though.

Last season he was called into action midway through the Round of 16 first-leg against Bayer Leverkusen and ended up starting the rest of the way as Bayern were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Inter Milan.

Although Viking fans will push to make life hell for Bayern, Urbig may be in for a night with little action in goal in Stavanger.

Why Musiala isn’t playing vs Viking

As for Musiala, the German international returned early from the past FIFA international break after suffering a muscle tear in his right thigh warming up for a game against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.

It’s been that kind of start to the season for Musiala, who suffered two collapses during consecutive pre-season friendlies, and has missed more games than he’s played so far in 2026-27 for Bayern. Musiala cleared concerns and explained why he fainted, but the health issues have remained. Regardless, Kompany called Musiala’s latest setback “minor”, and him being sidelined could also be a product of what the team hopes will be a smooth sailing in Norway.

Who knows, though? The Bavarians will cross paths with vikings in foreign waters, one misstep, and they might come back to regret it.

Key takeaways

• Manuel Neuer felt something in his foot and has been taken off the starting XI as a precaution.
• Jamal Musiala isn’t playing as he is still rehabbing from a “minor muscle tear” in his right thigh.
• Jonas Urbig is Bayern’s starting goalkeeper against Viking in Matchweek 2 of the UEFA Champions League.

Musiala will miss Saturday’s showdown against Dortmund while undergoing medical evaluation and treatment following an alarming health scare during Bayern’s preseason circuit, where he collapsed on the pitch during a friendly.

While Musiala has addressed his recent health struggles publicly, team medical staff and supporters are closely monitoring his treatment plan to determine how he can safely manage his condition while continuing his professional career.

Key injury report: Squads shorthanded on both sides

Musiala isn’t the only notable absence for the Supercup. Bayern Munich enter the match significantly depleted, with Serge Gnabry, Tarek Buchmann, Lennart Karl, and Bryan Zaragoza all ruled out due to various injuries.

Borussia Dortmund is facing a roster crunch of its own, with three key players unavailable for today’s rivalry match. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck remains sidelined with an injury, joining veterans Emre Can and Mussa Kaba on the stands.

Predicted starting XI for Bayern Munich

To fill the void left by Musiala, head coach Vincent Kompany is expected to rely heavily on new marquee signing Ismael Saibari. Summer arrival Luis Diaz, Michael Olise, and goal-scoring focal point Harry Kane are all projected to feature in the starting lineup. Here is Bayern’s predicted XI for the Supercup:

• Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
• Defenders: Josip Stanisic (RB), Dayot Upamecano (CB), Jonathan Tah (CB), Nathaniel Brown (LB)
• Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich (CDM), Aleksandar Pavlovic (CDM)
• Attacking Midfielders / Wingers: Michael Olise (RW), Ismael Saibari (CAM), Luis Diaz (LW)
• Forward: Harry Kane (ST)

“First things first – I’m doing well! Above all, I’m incredibly grateful for all your messages and your support! I understand that many of you are worried. I want to put those concerns to rest today and explain a little more: I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary episodes of absence that are easily treatable and are caused by a neurological dysfunction,” Musiala explained on an Instagram post.

“These can lead to the moments that have occurred recently, such as against Leipzig and now in Heidenheim. I know that they may seem scary at first glance – but for me, they are currently simply part of my everyday life. I am receiving the best possible medical care in this regard, and I am very optimistic. FC Bayern and the people closest to me are always by my side and supporting me on this journey

What happened to Musiala?

Musiala first made headlines during Bayern Munich’s game against RB Leipzig in the friendly Telekom Cup. Playing in hot conditions, Musiala suddenly became dizzy and fell to the ground as his teammates quickly rushed toward him to assist him. Fortunately, he didn’t collapse violently onto the pitch, which could have had worse consequences.

Based on how quickly his teammates reacted and the relative calm that followed, there was reason to believe they may have been familiar with the situation, perhaps having witnessed similar episodes in training. As for a game, it was the first time fans across the globe had witnessed it unfold, yet it wouldn’t be the last.

Against Heidenheim, Musiala was brought onto the pitch in the second half, likely as a precaution following the recent episode. However, Musiala once again collapsed. It was only momentary, as he was able to walk off the pitch, although the incident raised further concerns about the 23-year-old midfielder’s condition.

Musiala’s statement

Musiala cleared the air and explained that, although the episodes may be scary for fans to watch, he has been working with experts and was told there is no added risk.

“What is important is that there is no additional health risk beyond this,” Musiala stated. “In close consultation and regular communication with the specialists, it was my personal wish to face this challenge and, with the approval of the neurological specialists, to continue doing what helps me most in my recovery: simply living my everyday life and continuing to pursue my passion of playing football. I have taken responsibility for that decision.

“Overall, I have a very good feeling and I am on a good path. What helps me most along the way is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team, with your incredible support. I hope this helps you understand me better. At the same time, I ask for your understanding that I would like to continue keeping this matter within the circle of my closest confidants, the club and the experts.“

Bayern and teammates react to Musiala’s post

“We always stand by you, Jamal,” Bayern Munich’s official account replied to Musiala’s post along with a heart emoji. “Everyone has your back,” Aleksandar Pavlovic wrote. “Stay strong,” Bayern legend Lothar Mathaus said.

While Musiala expressed calmness about the situation and his diagnosis, it will be something to monitor as Bayern head into the 2026-27 season. Maybe the summer conditions and heat waves sweeping through Europe are playing a role in Musiala’s episodes, and perhaps they will be a thing of the past deeper into the fall and winter.

Regardless, it’s clear Musiala isn’t alone, and the recent messages of support showed that everybody is rooting for him.

Musiala’s move to the bench is purely a tactical decision by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. The young maestro is fully healthy and faces no underlying disciplinary issues; Nagelsmann is simply opting for a different look to counter Paraguay‘s defensive shape.

With defender Nico Schlotterbeck also out of today’s lineup, and wonderkid Lennard Karl missing the entire tournament due to a pre-World Cup injury, Germany will lean heavily on their available depth. Kai Havertz is set to anchor the attack as the primary focal point, flanked by Deniz Undav and Leroy Sane.

Who is replacing Musiala in Germany’s starting XI?

Deniz Undav gets the nod to replace Musiala in the starting lineup. Nagelsmann has completely reshaped his frontline compared to the group-stage finale against Ecuador, with Sane also entering the mix to provide raw pace on the wing.

Beyond the attacking shakeup, Germany’s core remains intact. Joshua Kimmich will hold down the right flank, Aleksandar Pavlovic will dictate tempo from the midfield engine room, and Florian Wirtz will pull the strings from his preferred spot on the left side of the attack.

Paraguay’s roster changes for the knockout round

Paraguay enter this crucial win-or-go-home match with mixed squad news. While La Albirroja will sorely miss vital midfielder Diego Gomez, they get a massive boost with the return of star winger Miguel Almiron. Almiron is officially back in action after serving a one-game suspension following his red card against Türkiye.

The rest of the South American squad is fully fit and ready. Rising star Julio Enciso will lead the charge in the attack, while veteran defender and team captain Gustavo Gomez anchors the backline to organize the defense against Germany’s potent frontline.

In a statement published on the club’s official website, fcbayern.com, the medical report regarding the injury sustained by the 22-year-old forward was released. The report confirmed that Musiala suffered a sustained fracture of the fibula, along with a broken and dislocated ankle, requiring surgery.

“Jamal Musiala suffered a serious injury during the Club World Cup quarter-final between FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain in the USA and had to be substituted at half-time. Examinations by the German champions’ doctors have revealed that the attacking midfielder sustained a fracture of the fibula associated with a broken and dislocated ankle. The 22-year-old flew from Orlando to Munich on Sunday morning and will undergo surgery soon.”

Although nothing has been officially confirmed, it is widely believed that the talented player will be sidelined for an extended period, leaving Kompany without one of his key figures for several months.

A heartbreaking exit

Saturday was a tough day all around for Bayern Munich, marked by multiple setbacks. Not only did the club suffer a devastating injury to one of its star players, but it also fell to PSG, ending its hopes of advancing further in the tournament.

Late goals from Doue and Dembele sealed the defeat for the German side, who struggled to contain the relentless attacks from Luis Enrique’s team. With this loss, Bayern’s journey in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup comes to an end.

While it’s true that the reigning Bundesliga champions have shown flashes of quality on the pitch, the reality is that their main objective was, at the very least, to reach the semifinals of the tournament — a goal they ultimately failed to achieve.

Despite Donnarumma insisting to teammates and Bayern Munich players that he had no intention of injuring the 22-year-old midfielder, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl did not hold back in his post-match comments, calling out the Italian keeper for recklessness.

“If I jump on someone’s leg while they’re running, and I weigh 100 kilos, there’s a high risk that something will happen,” Eberl said bluntly during a press conference following Bayern’s defeat.

While Eberl made it clear he didn’t believe Donnarumma had malicious intent, he still placed the blame on the PSG goalkeeper: “I don’t think he did it intentionally, but he certainly didn’t take any precautions”.

Manuel Neuer also criticizes Donnarumma’s actions

Veteran Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also addressed the incident, echoing Eberl’s concerns and questioning Donnarumma’s decision-making. “It’s a situation where you don’t need to go in like that. It’s risky. He’s willing to accept the risk of injuring his opponent,” Neuer said.

“I approached him and told him, ‘Don’t you want to go check on our player?’ It’s just about respect—go over and wish him well. And he did. Justice is always part of the game. I would’ve reacted differently,” he added.

Musiala faces extended spell on the sidelines

“Musiala had to be taken off the field due to injury. We’re with you, Jamal!” read a message posted by Bayern Munich shortly after the incident. While official medical results are still pending, early reports suggest the Germany international may have suffered a fractured tibia and fibula—an injury that would sideline him for months and deal a major blow to both club and country.

In a brief but heartfelt message on his official Instagram account, the Italian national team player shared a strong message of support for his fellow player—making it clear that the collision was unintentional and the result of a chance play during the match.

“All my prayers and well wishes are with you @jamalmusiala10,” Donnarumma posted via @donnarumma, accompanying it with a praying hands emoji.

After the unfortunate play that left the Luis Enrique-led team’s GK visibly saddened, his teammates supported him not only emotionally but also on the field, managing to push through and secure a spot among the tournament’s final four.

What happened to Musiala?

The day couldn’t have ended worse for Bayern Munich—not only due to their elimination at the hands of PSG in the quarterfinals but also because of the visibly serious injury suffered by one of their key players, Jamal Musiala.

In a completely accidental incident during the game, the German player collided with goalkeeper Donnarumma, and after falling to the ground, a harsh image showed one of his ankles severely affected.

Although there is still no definitive prognosis, based on the televised images, the injury appears to be serious, and the player could potentially be sidelined for a long time.

Bayern Munich arrived at the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 facing a tough challenge. The German side had to take on PSG, the current UEFA Champions League winners and favorites to lift the trophy in this tournament.

After a closely contested first 45 minutes, both squads were preparing to head to the locker rooms to regroup for the second half. However, things took a dramatic turn when Bayern Munich lost Jamal Musiala to a serious injury suffered on the final play of the first half.

Watch: Jamal Musiala collides with PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and suffers severe ankle injury

Terrible news struck Bayern Munich during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals. At the end of the first half against PSG, the German club lost star midfielder Jamal Musiala to a severe ankle injury following a collision with Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

In the final action of the half, Musiala attempted to win the ball in PSG’s box. Defender William Pacho stepped in to cover him and gave a soft push, not noticing that Donnarumma was sliding in from behind to collect the ball.

The timing was disastrous. As Donnarumma slid in, Musiala’s ankle got trapped beneath the goalkeeper’s body, twisting awkwardly in a gruesome and difficult-to-watch moment.

While Bayern Munich has yet to provide an official medical update, early signs suggest Musiala may have suffered a broken ankle. He was immediately taken off the pitch, and the timeline for his recovery will be determined in the coming hours.

Neither Müller nor Musiala is believed to be carrying an injury, leading to speculation that head coach Vincent Kompany has opted for a tactical adjustment or is managing minutes in a demanding tournament schedule. The German champions boast considerable depth, but leaving two of their most experienced and dynamic playmakers on the bench is sure to prompt further scrutiny—especially if the match doesn’t go their way.

Kompany may look to introduce both players off the bench depending on how the match unfolds. Bayern began the tournament in dominant form, routing Auckland City 10–0, but Boca present a very different challenge with their organized backline and fierce competitive spirit.

How Boca Juniors enter the match

Boca Juniors come into this critical clash under pressure after a 2–2 draw with Benfica in their tournament opener. While they showed moments of promise, defensive lapses and missed opportunities proved costly. Now, with Bayern Munich looming, Boca must elevate their performance if they want to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Adding to the challenge is the absence of veteran striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan star is sidelined after aggravating a previous calf injury, which has extended his recovery timeline. Although Cavani has been eager to return, he has not resumed full training with the squad. Boca’s medical staff remains hopeful he could be available for the final group-stage match against Auckland City on June 24.

Confirmed lineups

Bayern Munich head into the match without Thomas Müller and Jamal Musiala in their starting XI—two key absences that immediately drew attention. Head coach Vincent Kompany has opted for a rotated squad, with an eye on managing player fitness amid a packed tournament schedule.

Bayern’s confirmed starting lineup: Manuel Neuer; Konrad Laimer, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanišić, Raphaël Guerreiro; Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka; Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman; Harry Kane.

On the other side, Boca Juniors—missing Edinson Cavani up front—will line up as follows: Agustín Marchesín; Luis Advíncula, Lautaro Di Lollo, Nicolás Valentini, Lautaro Blanco; Rodrigo Battaglia, Esteban Rolón, Kevin Zenón; Alan Velasco, Carlos Palacios; Miguel Merentiel.

A perennial contender due to its wealth of talent, Bayern Munich is anticipated to secure a victory in its opening match. With Harry Kane taking on the role of main forward, head coach Vincent Kompany is set to deploy his strategy with full force, aiming for a winning start to the tournament.

Despite key absences beyond Musiala and Sane, such as Erik Dier, who is sidelined for this clash, Bayern is determined to delight its fan base gathered in the United States. Nevertheless, there has been a buzz surrounding Musiala and Sané’s absence from this initial game.

Why are Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane not starting for Bayern Munich?

Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane are absent from Bayern Munich’s starting lineup today due to tactical decisions. In Sane’s case, his recent signing agreement with Galatasaray means he is playing his final matches for the German club in this tournament. Reports indicate that Bayern arranged for this accommodation with the Turkish side as part of the transfer.

As a result, Kompany will field a mixed starting XI, preserving regular starters for tougher challenges ahead in the tournament, considering the relatively low threat posed by Auckland City. This strategic choice also provides key players some needed rest following the season’s conclusion.

Bayern Munich starting lineup

In light of absences like Erik Dier on defense, Jonathan Tah will step in, marking his first appearance in a Bayern jersey. Additionally, Kim Min-jae is unavailable due to an Achilles tendon injury, prompting Kompany to utilize a blend of youthful talent and veteran experience for this encounter.

Bayern Munich starting XI against Auckland City:

• Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
• Defenders: Sacha Boey, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanisic, Rafael Guerreiro;
• Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Michael Olise
• Forwards: Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane