The Switzerland coach has stressed that the versatile midfielder is a key player for the club and is not surprised that Jupp Heynckes' side have struggled in his absence

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Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has underlined the importance of influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to the Bavarian giants.Bayern were in impressive form in the opening months of the 2011-12 campaign, but they have been struggling ever since Schweinsteiger picked up a shoulder injury in his side's 3-2 Champions League Group A win over Napoli on November 2.Hitzfeld is not surprised that Bayern are struggling in Schweinsteiger's absence as he feels the Germany international is as important to the Bundesliga giants as Xavi is to Barcelona."The absence of Schweinsteiger is a real blow for Bayern. He has developed incredibly well, both on and off the pitch," Hitzfeld said to Sport 1."He is the brain of the team. The current situation at Bayern is a bit like if Barcelona would have to make do without Xavi due to injury. Schweinsteiger is that important to the team."Bayern have dropped to third spot in the Bundesliga table following the losses against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz.