The Germany international is still recovering from a recurring ankle problem that has troubled him since November, and Bayern are taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation. Kimmich also missed the club's final match before the break - a 4-0 win over Heidenheim - and reports in Germany suggest he could sit out not only Sunday's game but also the following midweek clash with Koln.
Sporting director Max Eberl has stressed that there is no intention to rush the 30-year-old back into action, describing the decision as a precaution designed to ensure Kimmich is fully fit for the second half of the season. While his absence is a blow, Bayern do have some positive news, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer hoping to return after a thigh injury ruled him out of the final game of 2025.
Despite Kimmich's likely unavailability, Vincent Kompany's side resume league action with a commanding nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and will look to strengthen that advantage against Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena.
The match, like several others this weekend, is taking place against the backdrop of extreme winter weather across Germany. Temperatures in Munich are forecast to fall as low as minus nine degrees Celsius on Sunday, with snowfall expected a day earlier. Heavy snow has already caused school closures and transport disruption in parts of the north and east of the country.
Elsewhere, St. Pauli said they were "closely monitoring the situation" ahead of Saturday's home game against RB Leipzig, warning that normal conditions could not be guaranteed. In Berlin, Union Berlin supporters volunteered to help clear ice and snow around their stadium before Saturday's fixture against Mainz.
Away from the weather concerns, attention will also be on Frankfurt on Friday night, where Eintracht begin Matchday 16 against Borussia Dortmund. New signing Younes Ebnoutalib could make his Bundesliga debut after completing an 8 million euros move from Elversberg. The 22-year-old, who scored 12 goals in 17 games in the second division, described the transfer to his hometown club as "a dream come true," with coach Dino Toppmoeller hinting he could even start.
Carney Chukwuemeka's 96th-minute equaliser rescued a dramatic 3-3 draw for Borussia Dortmund away at Eintracht Frankfurt, as BVB extended their unbeaten Bundesliga run to eight matches in a chaotic opening league game of 2026.
VfB Stuttgart have been dealt an injury setback ahead of Friday night's Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund, with Tiago Tomas ruled out for several weeks, coach Sebastian Hoeness has confirmed.
Jamal Musiala has moved closer to a return for Bayern Munich as the club confirmed plans to ease him back into action during January, with sporting director Christoph Freund stressing there would be no rush with the midfielder's recovery.
Harry Kane has signalled that his Bayern Munich story could stretch well beyond 2027, and the club's leadership has responded with clear approval.
