When Martin Ødegaard stepped onto the training pitch at Arsenal’s London Colney facility on November 25, 2025, it wasn’t just another day of drills—it was a turning point. The Norwegian captain, sidelined since early October with a stubborn knee injury, was back in full contact work, sparking immediate buzz ahead of Arsenal’s high-stakes Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Both teams enter the match with perfect 4-0 records in the 2025/26 league phase, but only one can stay undefeated. And with key players returning, falling out, or inching toward fitness, the tactical chess match is just as gripping as the stakes.
Arsenal’s Injury Jigsaw Comes Together—Mostly
Mikel Arteta, the 43-year-old Spanish manager who’s shaped Arsenal into Premier League frontrunners since December 2019, didn’t mince words during his pre-match press conference. “He was very close for the previous game,” Arteta said of Ødegaard, referring to the 4-1 win over Tottenham on November 23. “So we are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad.” That’s the kind of phrase fans live for—hopeful, not certain, but enough to make the stadium hum.
Ødegaard’s return would be massive. Since his injury against West Ham, Arsenal’s midfield rhythm has frayed. Without him, the team looked mechanical in possession, reliant on long balls rather than intricate build-up. His vision, his pressing triggers, his ability to drop deep and pull defenders out—those are the invisible threads holding Arsenal’s attack together. He’s not just a playmaker; he’s the glue.
But the good news doesn’t stop there. Noni Madueke, the 23-year-old England winger, made his first appearance since a hamstring tear in late September during the Tottenham game, playing 18 minutes. Arteta confirmed he’s “fully fit and ready to start.” That means the left flank, long a concern, could now feature Madueke alongside Gabriel Martinelli, creating a pacey, direct threat Bayern’s shaky left side—without Raphael Guerreiro—might struggle to contain.
Bayern’s Mixed Bag: Hope, Hype, and Holes
On the other side, Bayern Munich’s injury updates are a rollercoaster. Serge Gnabry, the 29-year-old German forward and former Arsenal academy product, is reportedly close to returning after missing the last Bundesliga match with knee inflammation. Abendzeitung München cited sources saying he’s “training with the group and could be available.” If he plays, it’s a massive boost—Gnabry’s direct runs and finishing have been crucial in tight games this season.
Then there’s Lennart Karl, the 17-year-old German sensation. After a hip flare-up during Bayern’s weekend win over Hoffenheim, Karl told Rheinische Post: “Everything’s fine, I’m fit.” A teenager playing through pain? That’s the kind of grit Bayern fans love. He’s unlikely to start, but if Kompany needs a spark off the bench, Karl could be the wild card.
But the shadows loom larger. Alphonso Davies, the 24-year-old Canadian speed demon, and Jamal Musiala, the 22-year-old German magician, are still only in light training. Neither is expected to feature. That’s a double blow: Davies is Bayern’s left-wing engine, and Musiala is their creative heartbeat. Without them, Bayern’s attack becomes predictable.
And then there’s Guerreiro’s suspension. The Senegalese left-back, a defensive anchor and set-piece threat, will miss the game after his red card against Paris Saint-Germain. His absence leaves a gaping hole—Bayern’s left side has conceded 7 goals in their last 3 away Champions League matches.
The Kane Factor: A Ghost Haunting the Emirates
Let’s not pretend this match is just about fitness. The real specter in this game is Harry Kane. The 32-year-old English captain, who joined Bayern in summer 2023 after 11 years at Tottenham, has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances against Arsenal—10 of them in the Premier League, five in Europe. One of those came last season at Emirates Stadium, a thunderous header in the quarter-final first leg.
“He knows where the gaps are,” said Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber in a recent ESPN interview. “He doesn’t need space. He creates it. You can’t just mark him—you have to think three passes ahead.”
With Bayern lacking Musiala’s dribbling and Davies’ width, expect Kane to drop deeper, link play, and exploit the space between Arsenal’s midfield and center-backs. Arteta’s team will need to be disciplined—no lazy tackles, no loose passes. One mistake, and Kane’s footwork does the rest.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about topping the group. Arsenal sit second in the Champions League table, tied on points with Bayern but trailing on goals scored. A win would put them top on goal difference. A draw? Still acceptable. A loss? Suddenly, the pressure shifts. With Liverpool and Real Madrid also in the mix, every point matters.
For Bayern, this is about proving they’re still the continent’s most consistent force. They’ve won their last 12 European away games. But without Davies and Musiala, can they keep that streak alive against a hungry, well-drilled Arsenal side?
And then there’s the psychological edge. Arsenal haven’t lost a home Champions League game since April 2024. Bayern haven’t lost any European match since November 2024. Both teams are on fire. But who blinks first?
What’s Next?
Coach Vincent Kompany holds his final press conference on Tuesday, November 25, at 19:00 GMT in London. That’s when we’ll know if Gnabry, Karl, or even Musiala are fit. Meanwhile, Arteta’s lineup sheet will be scrutinized for Ødegaard’s inclusion and whether he starts with Bukayo Saka or Madueke on the left.
One thing’s clear: this match won’t be decided by stats. It’ll be decided by moments—by a tackle, a pass, a run into space. By who wants it more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Martin Ødegaard play 90 minutes against Bayern Munich?
It’s unlikely. While Ødegaard is back in full training, Arteta has indicated he’ll likely be managed as a substitute to avoid re-injury. He may come on in the 60th minute to add control in the final third, especially if Arsenal are chasing a goal. His fitness is confirmed, but his minutes won’t be.
Why is Harry Kane such a nightmare for Arsenal?
Kane has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances against Arsenal, including 5 in European competition. His ability to drop into midfield, hold the ball under pressure, and finish from tight angles makes him uniquely dangerous. Arsenal’s center-backs, particularly William Saliba, have struggled to contain his movement in past meetings.
How will Bayern Munich compensate for the loss of Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala?
Without Davies and Musiala, Bayern will rely more on central playmakers like Noussair Mazraoui and Leroy Sané to create width, while Kane drops deeper to link play. They may also use 19-year-old winger Ismaïla Sarr as a direct replacement on the left, though his defensive work rate is a concern against Arsenal’s high press.
Is this match a turning point in the Champions League race?
Absolutely. With both teams undefeated and Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Napoli close behind, this result could determine who finishes top of the group. A win for Arsenal would put them in pole position for home advantage in the knockout stage. A Bayern win would reinforce their reputation as Europe’s most consistent side.
What’s the significance of Lennart Karl’s return?
Karl, just 17, is Bayern’s brightest youth prospect since Jamal Musiala. His return from a hip injury—despite limited training—signals the club’s willingness to trust youth in high-pressure moments. If he plays, it’s not just about fitness; it’s a statement: Bayern’s future is now.
How does this match affect Arsenal’s Premier League title chances?
A strong performance in this match could boost Arsenal’s confidence ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Manchester City on December 1. Winning in Europe under pressure proves they can handle big games—something they’ve struggled with in title races past. A loss, however, might trigger doubts about their ability to sustain form across competitions.
