Troubled van Buyten set to miss Barcelona clash

Bayern Munich defender Daniel van Buyten looks set to miss Wednesday’s Champions League first-leg clash against Barcelona for serious family reasons, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Belgian international is in Munich and did not fly with the rest of the squad because of an undisclosed problem, but coach Jurgen Klinsmann has said he will leave the decision on whether van Buyten plays or not up to the Belgian.

“It is Daniel’s choice alone, I have left the decision to him, he can even choose on a day to day basis,” said Klinsmann, whose comments hinted at a grave issue.

“He has been through a very hard day and we pray for him and his family.

“We know this is an unbelievably hard moment for him.

“Family issues take priority over football.”

Van Buyten missed Bayern’s 5-1 defeat at Wolfsburg last Saturday for the same reason and Munich have a problem in defence with Brazil captain Lucio out with a groin injury, but Argentina defender Martin Demichelis is fit.

Germany striker Miroslav Klose is out with an ankle injury, but French midfielder Franck Ribery (foot) and defender Philipp Lahm (calf) have both shaken off minor injuries.

The return leg is at Munich’s Allianz Arena next Tuesday.