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League leaders Bayern München are looking to continue their impressive run in the Champions League, with a crucial clash against second-placed Arsenal on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Chelsea face Barcelona for the first time in the competition since 2018, and Erling Haaland aims to make another impact against a German club.
Former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz has been one of Bayern’s standout performers this season, scoring three goals in four Champions League appearances.
Diaz was instrumental in Bayern’s 2-1 win over holders PSG on November 4, netting twice before being sent off for a dangerous tackle on Achraf Hakimi just before half-time.
The incident left Morocco international Hakimi with a severe sprain to his left ankle, ruling him out of action since.
UEFA classified Díaz’s challenge as “serious foul play” and handed the Colombian a three-match suspension.
As a result, Diaz will miss Bayern’s upcoming trip to Arsenal on November 26, as well as home fixtures against Sporting CP on December 9 and Union Saint-Gilloise on January 21.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany had initially expected a one-match ban, making the ruling a significant blow to the German side.
“My information is that he’s suspended for one game… I would be disappointed if my information is not correct,” Kompany told reporters earlier on Friday.
Since joining from Liverpool in the summer, Diaz has also scored six goals in 10 Bundesliga matches, highlighting his influence in both domestic and European competitions.
Diaz joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for an initial £37million and went on to score 41 goals in 148 appearances, including 13 during the Reds’ Premier League-winning campaign last season.
The 28-year-old also lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup twice with Liverpool and was part of the squad that reached the Champions League final in 2022.
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