Sami Khedira has named his Champions League favourites, and it is not Arsenal or Real Madrid.
The former Germany international believes one European heavyweight stands above the rest heading into the knockout stages.
Khedira’s assessment centres on experience, squad balance, and the physical condition of key players. While Arsenal continue to impress domestically, Khedira sees a different frontrunner in Europe.
Sami Khedira names Bayern Munich UCL favourites ahead of Arsenal
According to Metro, Sami Khedira said: “For me, it will be crucial that Bayern Munich go into the knockout phase reasonably rested.
He added: “But the most important thing in this crucial phase will be that their spine, their absolute top players and game-changers, are healthy and fit, especially mentally.
“Then, for me, they are the absolute number one, even ahead of Arsenal.”
Khedira’s emphasis is clear. If Bayern Munich can navigate the latter stages with their core players fully fit and mentally sharp, he believes they edge the competition.
The comment places them above Arsenal despite the Premier League side’s recent rise under Mikel Arteta.
Sami Khedira warns Bayern Munich’s depth could be a decisive factor
Bayern’s recent European campaigns have shown how fragile title ambitions can become when injuries strike at the wrong time.
Last season, they were missing key figures such as Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, and Dayot Upamecano during decisive knockout matches, a blow that ultimately proved costly.
Khedira acknowledged that vulnerability, stating: “At this level, no squad can really compensate for that. That’s especially true when Bayern’s squad is deliberately kept smaller, consciously consisting of younger players and talents.”
The former Real Madrid midfielder’s point highlights a calculated risk in Bayern’s squad construction.
A leaner group built around emerging talent can thrive when momentum builds, but depth becomes critical once injuries hit.
For Khedira, the equation is simple. If Bayern’s spine remains intact, they are favourites. If not, the margins at Champions League level leave little room for error.
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