Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry has expressed his excitement ahead of facing his former club Arsenal in the Champions League, describing the upcoming encounter as “special”. The German international spent five years at Arsenal during his formative years, taking his first steps in professional football with the London club.
A Special Reunion
Gnabry, who will line up against the Gunners in the Champions League, reflected on the significance of the fixture. “It’s always a special match against a former club. I grew up there and I’m really looking forward to it,” he stated, highlighting his deep connection to Arsenal.
The attacker’s history with Arsenal adds an extra layer of intrigue to the high-stakes European clash. Having developed through their youth ranks, Gnabry’s return to face his old side is a narrative point of interest for fans.
Pushing for a Starting Spot
Currently working his way back to peak form after an injury layoff, Gnabry is now in contention for a starting position against Arsenal. This opportunity arises partly due to the unavailability of other key players for Bayern Munich; Michael Olise is suspended for the match, while Jamal Musiala is sidelined with an injury.
Despite his presence at the pre-match press conference, Gnabry remained cautious about guaranteeing himself a place in the starting XI. He acknowledged the kind suggestion of his inclusion but stated, “I really don’t know yet who will be playing.”
Road to Full Fitness
Gnabry also spoke about his recovery process and the importance of game time. “I’m delighted to be back in action now after a long spell on the sidelines. I’m grateful for every minute I get. I need the playing time to get back into shape,” he explained.
His focus remains on regaining full match fitness and contributing to the team’s success. “It takes a bit of time to get back into the swing of things. Game time is, of course, crucial. The most important thing is that I don’t suffer a setback; everything else will fall into place,” Gnabry added, emphasising the need for a steady return without further injury complications.