Bayern's Vidal insists he needs a break before Arsenal clash

Ahead of a massive two-leg Champions League knockout stage clash with Arsenal, Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal admits he needs a break.

Nursing a rib concern for Friday's return to Bundesliga football last Friday against Freiburg, Vidal reaggravated the injury during the 2-1 victory, prompting a substitution for Joshua Kimmich 10 minutes from time.

Vidal, 29, initially picked up the rib injury during Bayern's extended winter break.

The Gunners visit the Bavarians for the first leg at the Allianz Arena on Feb. 15, and Vidal admits he'll need some rest in order to be fit for the last-16 clash.

"I feel bad," Vidal told German outlet tz, courtesy of ESPN FC. "I've got severe pain in the ribs. I can't play like this and must take a break now.

"Anyway, I've already missed a week's training. Now it looks like I'll need at least a further two or three weeks' break.

With Bayern poised to face an all too familiar foe, Vidal's potential absence becomes the latest of a slew in injury concerns for Carlo Ancelotti's lot. Both Jerome Boateng and Thiago are doubts for the tie with respective shoulder and hamstring injuries.

"Only by doing this can I completely recover," Vidal added. "Then we will see how I feel for the Champions League game."