Arsenal could benefit from a bizarre Bayern Munich decision ahead of their Champions League clash at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners set up a quarter-final tie against the German champions following their dramatic win on penalties against Porto in the previous round.
Injury news and a return to England for Harry Kane has dominated the headlines since the draw was made with the former Tottenham striker also the focus of the former. In Bayern's final clash before the March international break, Kane went off with an ankle injury and he subsequently missed England's two friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Worries for Bayern were eased however when the 30-year-old was able to feature against Borussia Dortmund last weekend. Despite Kane featuring, Bayern were beaten by their rivals which meant Bayer Leverkusen extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 13 points with Thomas Tuchel conceding the title race was over.
"After today's game there is no more need to count points. How many is it now? Congratulations to Leverkusen," he said. With Bayern highly unlikely to win their thirteenth consecutive title, the Champions League is the only trophy the Bavarians can win this season which made a Tuchel decision on Saturday all the more puzzling.
Just three days before they meet Arsenal in European action, Bayern travelled to face FC Heidenheim with Tuchel naming a surprisingly strong team, despite his shocking admission from last weekend. Kane, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Thomas Muller all started the game while Eric Dier was among those rested.
Naming a strong team did see Bayern race into a two-goal lead in the first half and therefore Tuchel would then have the chance to rest key players with the task already complete. However that potential plan significantly backfired when Bayern's opponents scored twice in the space of two minutes to level the game with a third following shortly after meaning Bayern will enter the game off the back of a shocking defeat.
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Kane played the full 90 minutes and therefore there is a huge chance of coming into the clash fatigued and that can only benefit Arsenal especially after Mikel Arteta's team selection decision earlier this week.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both missed out on the starting XI to face Luton Town on Wednesday evening, with the former omitted from the squad entirely. Rice came on for the last quarter however there is some concern surrounding Saka that he may be injured, however that will likely be clarified this evening when Arsenal face Brighton in Premier League action.
While the Gunners are still in Europe, they are also involved in a tense title race against Liverpool and Manchester City with the reigning champions gaining the early advantage this weekend after they beat Crystal Palace 4-2 at Selhurst Park.
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