Jurgen Klopp to Miss Arsenal vs. Dortmund Game After UEFA Extends Touchline Ban

Borussia Dortmund will be without coach Jurgen Klopp for the Bundesliga outfit's trip to Arsenal after UEFA extended his touchline ban to two Champions League matches.

Klopp was forced to sit in the stands as Dortmund eased past Marseille on Matchday 2, but had expected to return at the Emirates. However, UEFA has revised his ban, which dates back to Dortmund's earlier loss to Napoli.

Dortmund confirmed the news on their official website, revealing the decision can be overturned, as reported by Reuters via Yahoo.

"This decision can be appealed," the statement said. "Borussia Dortmund are currently considering whether to go down that route."

Klopp attracted UEFA's attention when he reacted aggressively toward the fourth official during Dortmund's 2-1 defeat at Napoli.

An initial one-match suspension appeared to have caused his side few problems as they beat Marseille 3-0 to kick-start their bid to advance from the group stages.

Next up is a double-header with Arsenal that will go a long way to determining the fortunes of both sides in the competition. Back-to-back defeats for either club would leave them struggling to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Klopp had hoped to return in the first of those clashes on Oct. 22, but UEFA's revised ban gives Arsenal a psychological edge.

Dortmund have made a fine start to the campaign, matching Bayern Munich stride for stride in the Bundesliga, where they top the table on 19 points. Their only draw came at Nuremberg, when Klopp rested all his star names.

However, the trip to Arsenal is shaping up to be Dortmund’s toughest test to date. The Gunners top the Premier League and cruised past Napoli on Tuesday.

Klopp is one of football’s great thinkers and has produced a fine passing side, who almost claimed Champions League glory last term.

His personality is also a major asset, though, often seen leaping from his dugout to inspire his players. Without that motivation, the threat for Dortmund is that they fall flat at Arsenal.

Klopp spoke of the frustration he felt during the Marseille game, telling the club’s website via Ben Burrows of the Daily Mirror:

"

It is not something I need too often, but when the game goes as well as this one it's easy to deal with.

(Former media director) Josef Schneck tried to entertain me, the team did the rest.

"

The length of the ban is arguably suitable for Klopp’s loss of control at Napoli, where he squared up to the fourth official in what was a shockingly frightening manner.