Bayern Munich will face an early test of their UEFA Champions League ambitions when they host English champions Arsenal on Wednesday without influential winger Michael Olise.

Olise, who began his football development in Arsenal’s youth system, is suspended after receiving two yellow cards within a minute during Bayern’s 3-3 draw with Viking last week.

The London-born winger was initially booked for a foul before reacting to verbal provocation from Viking captain Zlatko Tripic by throwing the ball at his head, resulting in the first sending-off of his career.

After an outstanding campaign last season that propelled him into Ballon d’Or contention, the former Crystal Palace player has maintained his impressive form, recording nine goals and five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions this season.

With Jamal Musiala struggling with injury and illness, while Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl have yet to hit top form, Olise and Harry Kane have carried much of Bayern’s attacking responsibility.

England captain Kane has contributed nine goals and six assists in 10 games. During Bayern’s 3-3 draw with Viking last week, he scored twice and provided an assist after his side fell 2-0 behind.

Speaking after Bayern’s emphatic 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, Kane acknowledged the significance of Olise’s absence but challenged the rest of the squad to step up.

“Missing one of your biggest players, you’re going to feel it for sure, but that’s where other people have to step up and show they can take their opportunity,” Kane said.

“We talk about the squad a lot, we talk about being ready for your moment and whoever plays will have to be ready.”

One of the major positives from the Leipzig victory was the performance of Luis Diaz, who scored three goals and provided an assist.

The 29-year-old had endured a frustrating start to the season but delivered one of his best performances since joining Bayern from Liverpool in 2025.

Kane, who moved to Bayern from Tottenham in 2023, is familiar with Arsenal, having faced the Gunners in several encounters during his time in English football.

Bayern eliminated Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the 2023-24 Champions League by a one-goal aggregate margin but suffered a 3-1 defeat to the London club in the league phase of last season’s competition.

With domestic and international fixtures coming thick and fast, Kane said he had not had much time to exchange messages with his Arsenal counterparts.

“I spoke to them a bit in the international break previously and we knew the game was coming up, but I think we’re all too busy right now to text each other, with a game every three days,” he said.

Bayern’s dominant performance against Leipzig further underlined their strength in the Bundesliga, but Kane acknowledged that Arsenal would provide a formidable challenge.

The Gunners have also made an impressive start to the campaign, winning 10 of their first 11 matches in all competitions as they seek to recover from last season’s painful penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Kane said Bayern were looking forward to testing themselves against Mikel Arteta’s side in front of their home supporters.

“It’s a big game and we’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe, you have to always enjoy these occasions,” he said.

“We’re testing ourselves against one of the best, we’re here at home, the energy, the fans, it’s going to be a special night.”