Bayern Munich are riding a wave of confidence after a commanding 6-1 demolition of RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena, a result that sent them to the top of the Bundesliga and erased the frustration of back-to-back draws against Augsburg and Viking Stavanger. Luis Diaz was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick after weeks of misfiring, with Aleksandar Pavlovic, Michael Olise and Harry Kane also on the scoresheet. The victory felt like a statement, though the timing of what comes next raises the stakes considerably.

The mood around the club is not without complications. Coach Vincent Kompany battled a viral infection and a hip injury throughout the Leipzig match, leaving co-trainer Aaron Danks to handle most of the touchline work. Kompany missed training on Monday and skipped the pre-match media session on Tuesday, and while the club remains cautiously optimistic he will be present against Arsenal, his exact role remains unclear.

In goal, Jonas Urbig continues to deputise for Manuel Neuer, who is sidelined with a fluid build-up in his foot. The 23-year-old has now made four appearances this season, and debate over whether he should become first choice ahead of schedule is growing, though Kompany has been clear that Neuer remains the number one when fit. Neuer's contract expires at the end of the season, and Bayern are already scouting experienced goalkeeper options to support Urbig beyond that point. Michael Olise serves a suspension for Wednesday's Champions League tie against Arsenal, which adds another layer of difficulty to an already demanding fixture.