Soccer

Franck Ribery to miss first leg of Arsenal last-16 tie

French midfielder had operation to repair a burst blood vessel in his buttock

Franck Ribery will miss the first leg of the Champions League last-16 match with Arsenal in London next week after a minor operation. Photograph: Peter Kneffel/EPA
Franck Ribery will miss the first leg of the Champions League last-16 match with Arsenal in London next week after a minor operation. Photograph: Peter Kneffel/EPA
Mon Feb 10 2014 - 16:33

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery will miss the Champions League tie with Arsenal, the Bundesliga club have announced.

The France international underwent a “minor operation” to repair a burst blood vessel in his buttock last Thursday, with tests on Monday showing the procedure had been successful in removing bruising which had been affecting a nerve.

However, Bayern also confirmed that the 30-year-old would only return to training next week and will miss the first leg of their last-16 Champions League meeting with Arsenal in London on Wednesday week.

A statement on Bayern’s official website said: “An examination on Monday revealed that the bruise, which had pressed on a nerve, was completely removed by surgery last Thursday.

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“After healing, the 30-year-old is scheduled to begin exercise therapy later this week and, a week later, he will return to running training.

“Therefore Ribery will miss the next games for the record champions, among them the last-16 tie at Arsenal in the Champions League.”