Arsenal v Bayern Munich: Arsenal given boost with news that Xherdan Shaqiri and Franck Ribery ruled out of first leg
The Swiss was Pep Guardiola's favoured replacement for Ribiery who was already ruled out after surgery on his buttock, but the Spaniard will now be without Shaqiri due to a thigh muscle tear
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal have been given a further boost ahead of the Champions League last-16 first leg with Bayern Munich with the news that Franck Ribery’s replacement Xherdan Shaqiri has also been ruled out of the match at the Emirates.
Ribery has already been ruled out of Wednesday’s encounter due to undergoing an operation on his buttock, and Bayern manager Pep Guardiola had planned to use Switzerland international Shaqiri to fill the position on the left wing.
However, the Evening Standard reports that the 22-year-old has suffered a torn muscle in his right thigh during the 4-0 victory over Freiburg on Saturday and is now a doubt for the second leg when Arsenal visit the Allianz Arena on March 11, let alone the first leg this week.
Guardiola said: “It is a pity for him. He can play on the wing or come inside. He is dynamic and knows where the goal is. He’s an important player for me.”
Shaqiri’s injury means Arjen Robben might switch from the right flank to the left or Thomas Muller, the Germany international, could deputise in an unfamiliar role.
Ribery is out of Wednesday’s match after surgery to repair a burst blood vessel in his lower back. Despite the injuries, Bayern go into the tie as heavy favourites. They beat Arsenal at this stage last season before advancing to become European champions, and they have played similarly imposing football this season.
Guardiola’s team are 16 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and, despite resting a number of key players, gave another example of their dominance at the weekend, defeating Freiburg 4-0.
Yet former Germany international Gunter Netzer has warned Bayern to be ready for a test sterner than what they usually face in domestic football. Netzer said: “The last-16 tie is a real challenge for Bayern. Now more is required than they have shown in their stroll through the Bundesliga. This must, therefore, be their greatest challenge, the senses must sharpen against high-quality opponents.
“The games against Arsenal will give first clues as to where exactly Bayern are on a continental level. The 3-1 win at Manchester City in the group stages was the best performance in Europe under Pep Guardiola. Now is the time to substantiate that.”
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