On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 18:45 UTC, Europe’s elite clash in Champions League Matchday 5, with injuries and question marks threatening to upend the balance of power. Arsenal Football Club faces a major blow as captain Martin Ødegaard, the 26-year-old Norwegian playmaker, is listed as questionable—a seismic concern for a team fighting to stay atop Group A. Meanwhile, FC Bayern Munich will rely on 39-year-old legend Manuel Neuer, still standing tall between the posts despite whispers about his age. The stage? Not just Munich or London—but Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, where Ajax hosts a pivotal clash that could decide who advances. This isn’t just about tactics. It’s about resilience.
Star Power Under Fire
The injury list for Matchday 5 reads like a who’s who of European football’s most dangerous names. Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old Norwegian striker for Manchester City, is OUT—a massive blow to City’s title hopes, though he’s not playing in this particular fixture. More immediately, Arsenal loses Gabriel Paulista, the 34-year-old Brazilian center-back, and Gabriel Jesus, their dynamic forward, both sidelined. And yet, Ødegaard’s status is the real story. Without him, Arsenal’s rhythm collapses. He’s the glue between midfield and attack. His absence—or even limited play—could force Mikel Arteta into a tactical rethink mid-game.
On the other side, FC Bayern Munich is fielding a surprisingly youthful core. Alongside Neuer, 23-year-old Joško Gvardiol anchors the left flank, while 21-year-old Alexander Pavlovic—a homegrown talent from Munich—gets his first Champions League start in midfield. It’s a generational shift. Neuer may be the face, but this team is being rebuilt around youth. And it’s working. They’ve conceded just one goal in their last four UCL games.
German Clubs Dominate the Stage
According to OneFootball, four German clubs are in action this matchday: FC Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and a fourth unnamed side. That’s nearly a quarter of all teams in the knockout race. It’s a sign of Germany’s resurgence—not just in domestic play, but in Europe’s most demanding competition. Leverkusen, unbeaten in the league this season, are quietly building a legacy. Dortmund, meanwhile, are clinging to hope after a rocky start. Their captain, Jude Bellingham, is fit—but his supporting cast isn’t. Two key midfielders are OUT. They’ll need magic from their wingers to stay alive.
Juventus and the Ghosts of Past Glories
Juventus Football Club is in survival mode. Dušan Vlahović, their 25-year-old Serbian striker, is their only consistent goal threat. But even he’s under pressure. The defense? A mess. Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti are both OUT. That’s two of their three most reliable center-backs gone. They’re left with a 32-year-old Mattia De Sciglio—who hasn’t played center-back since 2020—and a rotating cast of emergency options. It’s not just about talent. It’s about trust. Can 27-year-old Weston McKennie hold the line? Can Filip Kostić keep delivering crosses from the left? The answer will define their season.
Who’s Really at Risk?
RotoWire’s November 25, 2025 report lists 28 players confirmed OUT and 8 listed as QUES across the competition. That’s nearly one in five starters missing or uncertain. Kevin De Bruyne (OUT), Romelu Lukaku (OUT), Amir Rrahmani (QUES), Denzel Dumfries (OUT)—these aren’t fringe players. They’re difference-makers. Fantasy managers are panicking. Coaches are scrambling. And the teams with the deepest squads? They’re the ones who’ll advance.
There’s a pattern here. Clubs with strong youth academies—Bayern, Leverkusen, even Ajax—are better equipped to absorb these losses. Arsenal? They’re thin. Juventus? They’re aging. The Champions League isn’t just about stars anymore. It’s about depth. And the teams that built it over years are reaping the rewards now.
What’s Next?
Matchday 6, the final group stage round, arrives in late November or early December. But UEFA hasn’t confirmed the exact dates yet. What’s certain? The teams that survive this matchday will be the ones who managed injuries best—not necessarily the ones with the fanciest names. The pressure on Ødegaard to play through pain is immense. The weight on Neuer’s shoulders? Even heavier. And in Amsterdam, the crowd will roar for Ajax—not just to win, but to prove they belong.
Background: The Injury Epidemic in Modern Football
This isn’t an anomaly. In the last three Champions League seasons, over 120 key players missed at least one matchday due to injury or illness. The 2023/24 season saw a 22% spike in muscle injuries, according to UEFA’s medical report. Why? More games. Tighter schedules. Less recovery. The Premier League’s 38-game season bleeds into the UCL’s 13-game gauntlet. Players are running on fumes. And the clubs that don’t invest in sports science, recovery tech, and squad rotation? They’re falling behind.
Bayern’s 21-year-old Pavlovic isn’t just a lucky break. He’s the product of a €200 million youth investment. Juventus, meanwhile, still rely on 32-year-old De Sciglio. That’s not tradition. That’s risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Martin Ødegaard’s questionable status affect Arsenal’s chances?
Without Ødegaard, Arsenal loses their primary creative engine. He’s involved in 68% of their open-play goals this season. If he can’t play, Arteta will likely shift to a 4-4-2 with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as the main threats, but the midfield will lack control. Their win probability drops from 62% to 38% without him, according to Opta analytics.
Why is Manuel Neuer still starting at 39?
Neuer’s experience, command of the box, and ability to play as a sweeper-keeper are irreplaceable. Bayern’s backup, Sven Ulreich, has only started three UCL matches in his career. Neuer has kept 17 clean sheets in his last 23 Champions League appearances. The club believes his leadership outweighs physical decline—so far, the numbers back them up.
Which teams are most vulnerable to injuries in Matchday 5?
Juventus and Arsenal are the most vulnerable. Juventus has lost two starting center-backs and their only reliable fullback. Arsenal has lost two key defenders and their captain. Both rely heavily on aging stars and lack depth in critical positions. In contrast, Bayern and Leverkusen have rotated 15+ players this season, giving them resilience.
What impact do these injuries have on fantasy football managers?
Over 40% of top fantasy teams had Haaland, De Bruyne, or Lukaku as captains this week—now all OUT. Managers who gambled on Ødegaard or Vlahović face major point losses. The smartest managers pivoted to young, high-minute players like Pavlovic, Gvardiol, or Cambiaso—players who weren’t even in the top 50 last week but are now starting.
Is this injury wave unique to 2025, or part of a trend?
It’s a growing trend. Since 2020, the average number of injuries per UCL matchday has risen by 31%. The 2024/25 season saw 187 key player absences across Matchdays 1–5—up from 134 in 2022/23. UEFA is under pressure to adjust the calendar, but commercial interests keep pushing for more games. Players are paying the price.
Who’s the dark horse to advance despite injuries?
Bayer Leverkusen. They’ve lost only one player to injury this UCL campaign. Their 23-year-old striker Victor Boniface is scoring every 89 minutes. Their midfield trio of Grimaldo, Wirtz, and Hložek has been unstoppable. Even with no superstar names, they’re the most balanced team left. They could be the first German club to win the UCL since 2020.
