Makaay injury weakens Bayern: Magath

Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath admits the injury to his top striker is a hammer blow ahead of the two crucial matches against Arsenal and Schalke 04.

Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath admits the injury to Dutch international striker Roy Makaay is a hammer blow ahead of the two crucial matches against Arsenal and Schalke 04.

The 29-year-old sustained a thigh injury in Bayern's 1-0 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday and Magath acknowledges the lay-off - expected to be two weeks - could not have come at a worst time.

"It is a bitter pill to swallow and a real handicap for us," confessed Magath.

"We are not used to playing without Roy and it is something I have to think hard about."

Bayern face Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday, holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg, and German international Michael Ballack admits the absence of Makaay makes the match even more difficult.

"Roy is vital for the team particularly in the big games," said Ballack. "He is a brilliant counter attacking striker and we will miss him against Arsenal and Schalke."

Bayern visit Bundesliga rivals Schalke 04 on Sunday but English champions Arsenal are the first hurdle.

"We have some good strikers and now they have to come in and do a job," explained vice-president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

However, statistics underline the importance of Makaay with the 18.75 million euro signing netting seven out of Bayern's eight goals in last season's Champions League and top-scoring with seven in this campaign.

A 2-0 win would see Arsenal progress at Bayern's expense and Bayern hope their defence can keep out Thierry Henry and company.

"The defence will be the key on Wednesday not the attack," said Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness.

Magath watched Bayern keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 triumph over Bremen and is confident of repelling Arsenal's potent attack.

"Our defence is rock solid and that gives me confidence for the Arsenal match," added Magath.