Germany captain Michael Ballack is expected to miss Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Arsenal on Tuesday because of a thigh muscle strain.

“It’s increasingly unlikely he’ll play,” admitted Bayern coach Felix Magath.

“He’s an important player but bringing him back too soon could take so much out of him that we’d lose him for more games.”

Ballack missed Bayern’s 5-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday and midfield playmaker was unable to train on Sunday.

Magath will make a final decision on whether to include him in the squad later on Monday.