Matthäus names Bayern's options to replace Olise against Arsenal

Lothar Matthäus believes three players are in contention to replace suspended Michael Olise when Bayern Munich face Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Photo by Marius Nordnes / Nordnes Foto/Getty Images

Bayern Munich will be without one of their most important players when they face Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Michael Olise suspended after being sent off in last week's 3-3 draw against Viking FK.

According to Germany and Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus, there is no like-for-like replacement for Olise, but three players are in contention to step in for the Frenchman: Ismael Saibari, Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry.

“[Olise] has punished himself with his red card, because every footballer dreams of playing in matches like these,” Matthäus wrote in a column for Sky Germany.

“There is no like-for-like replacement for him. Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry are options to step in, but both lack match practice.

“Ismael Saibari played in the number 10 role against Leipzig. The Moroccan has improved as the season has progressed, while Karl and Gnabry are still playing catch-up.

“Kompany has three players competing for two positions, so it will be a close decision,” Matthäus stated.

The game will take place at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday at 21:00 CEST.