Liverpool vs Bayern: Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng not on flight for Champions League showdown at Anfield

The veteran pair didn't make the trip to Merseyside on Monday morning

FC Bayern pair Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng did not fly to Merseyside for the Champions League knockout clash with Liverpool on Monday morning.

The French winger has been suffering with an injury that left him touch-and-go for this round-of-16 tie first leg, but his absence from the team's flight was for happier reasons with Ribery becoming a father again.

35-year-old Ribery could yet feature at Anfield but was left out of the squad initially, as was defender Boateng who has been struggling with gastrointestinal issues.

First-choice pairing Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels would be expected to start at Anfield on Tuesday night, with versatile trio Joshua Kimmich, David Alaba and Javi Martinez all capable of filling in at the back.

With Ribery and Arjen Robben missing the game, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman are favourite to start in the wide positions for Bayern though Niko Kovac could opt for James Rodriguez in a rejigged shape.

Ribery is expected to fly to Liverpool still and has a chance of playing in what could be his final European away game for Bayern.

The former France international is expected to leave the club in the summer as part of their impending rebuild , with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently admitting that some tough conversations need to take place.

"We've had some amazing years thanks to him. I have huge respect for Franck," he told Eurosport.

"You have to be open and honest. At some point, we'll have a conversation with him and his agent and then make a joint decision. I can't predict what that will be."