Fri Sep 26 19:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, focusing on Joshua Kimmich’s surprising benching for the Bayern Munich game against Werder Bremen:
**Headline: Kimmich Benched Again! Bayern Boss Kompany Cites Illness, Rotation for Star Midfielder’s Absence**
**Munich, Germany** – In a surprising move for the second consecutive game, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has left star midfielder Joshua Kimmich out of the starting lineup for tonight’s Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen. Kimmich, who also started on the bench in the previous 4-1 victory against Hoffenheim, will watch the opening minutes from the sidelines.
Kompany explained the decision prior to kickoff, citing a recent illness as a factor. “He was missing for two days this week. He was slightly ill, but now he’s fit again. In the next few months, Josh will be in demand so much. This might be the last moment where we can take him out a little bit,” Kompany told Sky Sports.
Alongside Kimmich, Michael Olise, Dayot Upamecano, and Serge Gnabry were rested for the Hoffenheim match but Olise, Upamecano and Gnabry return to the starting eleven tonight, while young Tom Bischof has been given a starting place as well.
Bayern’s starting eleven features Neuer in goal, a defense of Boey, Tah, Upamecano, and Laimer. Goretzka partners Bischof in midfield, while the attack comprises Olise, Gnabry, Díaz, and Kane.
Werder Bremen will start with Hein in goal, a defence of Sugawara, Friedl, Coulibaly, and Agu. Stage and Lynen partner up in midfield, with support of Puertas, Schmid, Mbangula and Njinmah in attack.
The decision to bench Kimmich, one of Bayern’s most consistent and influential players, has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. It remains to be seen how Bayern will perform without him as they look to secure a victory in their first home game during Oktoberfest.
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