Bayern Munich's Luis Díaz has been handed a three-match suspension in the UEFA Champions League following a red card for serious rough play against Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi. The Colombian winger will miss key fixtures against Arsenal, Sporting CP, and Union Saint-Gilloise. His absence comes as Bayern prepare for their upcoming clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Luis Díaz's challenge on Achraf Hakimi during Bayern Munich's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on November 4, 2025, has resulted in a significant ban. UEFA's CEDB ruled the incident as "serious rough play," upgrading an initial yellow card to a straight red after VAR review by referee Maurizio Mariani. The tackle, described as scissor-like from behind without malicious intent, caught Hakimi's right ankle late in the first half, leading to a severe ankle sprain that will sideline the PSG defender for six weeks.
Díaz, who scored twice before his dismissal in that game, now faces a three-game absence. Bayern manager Vincent Kompany had anticipated only a one-match ban, stating on Friday, "My information is that he’s suspended for one game... I’d be really disappointed if it turned out my information wasn’t correct." The suspension affects Bayern's next Champions League outings: away to Arsenal on November 26, 2025, home against Sporting CP on December 9, 2025, and home versus Union Saint-Gilloise on January 21, 2026. Díaz remains eligible for domestic German competitions and is set to return for the league phase finale against PSV Eindhoven on January 28, 2026.
Since joining Bayern from Liverpool for £65.5 million ($85.6 million) in the summer, Díaz has been prolific with 11 goals and five assists in 17 appearances across all competitions. He has created 31 chances, second only to Michael Olise (33) and Joshua Kimmich (32) on the team. As Bayern share the top spot in the Champions League standings with 12 points alongside Arsenal and Inter, his absence could impact their wings, especially with Serge Gnabry also sidelined by injury. Harry Kane remains Bayern's primary threat, but options like deploying Kane in the No. 10 role with Nicolas Jackson up top and Michael Olise or Lennart Karl wide are under consideration.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be without defensive leader Gabriel, with Piero Hincapié or Cristhian Mosquera likely to step in. Historical encounters favor Bayern, who eliminated Arsenal in the 2023-24 quarterfinals (2-2 first leg, 1-0 second leg). A victory for Arsenal could see them overtake Bayern in the league phase standings.
