Franck Ribery a doubt for Champions League tie between Arsenal and Bayern Munich

The midfielder could miss the first leg after suffering a mysterious injury to his buttock

Franck Ribery (GETTY IMAGES)

Franck Ribery is a serious injury doubt for Bayern Munich's Champions League meeting with Arsenal.

The Frenchman underwent surgery yesterday on a burst blood vessel in his buttock.

Ribery, who came third in the recent awarding of the Ballon d'Or award, will not play in the Bundesliga match against Nuremberg this weekend. He will instead focus on trying to be fit for the last-16 first leg tie at the Emirates which will be played on February 19.

Discussing Ribery's return, Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola remains optimistic.

"Hopefully, he can play in London," said the former Barcelona coach and two-time winner of the Champions League. "Franck is important, I hope he can train as soon as possible and we are waiting on him."

How Ribery injured his buttock is unclear with the club failing to elaborate. Bayern's media director Markus Hoerwick did explain Ribery would stay in a clinic over the weekend before an examination on Monday.

"Then we will know then if he can return to the team or will be out for longer," added Hoerwick.