Ballack injury boosts Arsenal

Arsenal were given a Champions League boost today, with Bayern Munich's Michael Ballack set to miss tomorrow's clash through injury.

Germany captain Ballack has failed to respond to treatment on a thigh muscle strain.

Bayern coach Felix Magath said. "If he plays, he may aggravate the injury. I would be more prepared to risk him for the second leg."

Even without Ballack, Bayern limbered up for the last-16 clash with a 5-0 trouncing of Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in sub-zero temperatures.

Magath said: "It is good for us that it will be cold because we are used to the conditions. Arsenal are a little bit tired because there's no winter break in England but we're in very good physical condition after our break."