Ancelotti: I hope Thiago can play against Arsenal

Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he hopes midfielder Thiago Alcantara will be fully fit to face Arsenal in the Champions League.

The Spain international picked up a thigh injury during the club's winter training camp in Qatar, and has been ruled out of Bayern's first game after the mid-season break against Freiburg on January 20.

Thiago has scored three times for Bayern this season, but Ancelotti is optimistic that he will not be sidelined for more than three weeks.

"It is a pity, but these things can happen," Ancelotti said. 

"I hope he won't be out for too long. Three weeks, maybe."

The 25-year-old is due to undergo a scan for a muscle injury in his thigh when the club returns from Doha, but is currently having treatment at their hotel in Qatar.

"We are checking it in Munich," Ancelotti continued. "I hope he will be able to play against Arsenal."

Bayern face Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on February 15 before travelling to London for the return leg at Emirates Stadium on March 7.

Ancelotti has, meanwhile, been boosted by the return of winger Kingsley Coman, who trained for more than half-an-hour during Sunday's session after recovering from an ankle injury.

Coman has played just six times for the Bundesliga side this season, and has not featured since November due to his lengthy lay-off.