Chelsea may be forced to shelve plans over a January move for Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

Ribery has played just six Bundesliga matches this season, completing the full 90 minutes only once, due to a string of injuries.

His knee and toe caused the most frequent problems and it is the latter which has forced him to miss the first session of Bayern's winter training camp in Dubai today.

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal told the club's official website: "It is practically incredible and very bitter for the coach and the team.

"But we cannot change it. We hope that the medical department works hard and he returns as quickly as possible."

Ribery had joined the rest of his team-mates for a jog around Munich yesterday before the flight to the United Arab Emirates, but upon arrival in Dubai both of his big toes were swollen.

Holes were drilled into the toenails to release an accumulation of blood and relieve the pain in a bid to get the 26-year-old back on his feet as soon as possible.

The news will come as a blow to Chelsea, who were reportedly set to launch a £45m raid for Ribery, says the Daily Mail.