Bayern's Ribery ruled out of Arsenal clash

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) –

Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Franck Ribery in action during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich vs Fortuna Dusseldorf in the southern German city of Munich on March 9, 2013. Bayern Munich will be without Ribery for Wednesday’s Champions League last 16, second leg tie after he sprained ligaments in his left ankle.

Bayern Munich will be without France wing Franck Ribery for Wednesday’s Champions League last 16, second leg tie after he sprained ligaments in his left ankle.

Bayern hold a 3-1 lead from the first leg in north London three weeks ago and Ribery’s place on the left wing at Munich’s Allianz Arena will most likely be filled by Dutch star Arjen Robben, who has overcome a calf injury.

Having scored a goal in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf, Ribery picked up the injury in the home victory which left Bayern 20 points clear in the Bundesliga.

Bayern will also be without Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinstieger and defender Jerome Boateng, both are both suspended.

Brazil’s Luiz Gustavo is set to take Schweinsteiger’s place in the defensive midfield, while Belgium’s Daniel van Buyten is likely to take over at centre-back for Boateng.

“We go into the game as if it were still 0-0,” insisted Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes.