Koscielny, Ramsey start for Arsenal in Bayern test

The French centre-back missed training on Monday but was named in Arsenal's starting XI alongside Per Mertesacker for the meeting with the German league's runaway leaders.

With Kieran Gibbs injured, January signing Nacho Monreal cup-tied and Andre Santos out on loan, captain Thomas Vermaelen slides across from central defence to play at left-back.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also handed a starting berth to Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey, leaving French striker Olivier Giroud on the bench.

Bayern, 15 points clear in the Bundesliga, made one change to the team that won 2-0 at Wolfsburg on Friday, with Javi Martinez coming into the team in the centre of midfield at the expense of Luiz Gustavo.

Daniel Van Buyten continued at centre-back in the absence of the suspended Jerome Boateng.

Starting line-ups:

Arsenal (ENG)

Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen (capt); Arteta, Wilshere; Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Podolski; Walcott

Manager: Arsene Wenger (FRA)

Bayern Munich (GER)

Neuer; Lahm (capt), Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez; Muller, Kroos, Ribery; Mandzukic

Manager: Jupp Heynckes

Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (NOR)