• Champions League

Ribery out of City clash with Robben a doubt

ESPN staff
September 16, 2014
Champions League Preview: Matchday One

Manchester City have been handed a huge boost after Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola announced Franck Ribery will not feature when the two sides meet in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, while Arjen Robben remains a doubt.

Ribery scored his first match of the season against Stuttgart, after suffering a knee injury upon his return to training with Bayern, in which he scored.

"Franck is not here, he is at home," said Guardiola. "He went to the doctor on Monday and today they told me he cannot play."

Ribery missed the World Cup with a back problem, prompting a decision to retire from international football two years before Euro 2016 in France in order to focus on his club career - a decision questioned by UEFA president Michel Platini.

Bayern are also sweating over the availability of Robben after the 30-year-old was absent from training on Sunday with a knee problem.

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