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Bayern Munich have a major injury crisis ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Manchester City, writes David McDonnell in Munich.

The Germans' coach Pep Guardiola is already without Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Holger Badstuber, Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara and Rafinha for the encounter at the Allianz Arena, while Arjen Robben is doubtful because of a knee problem.

The lengthy list of crocks has thrown Bayern’s preparations into turmoil ahead of the Group E opener against the Premier League champions.

“Franck Ribery is definitely not playing,” said Guardiola of the French winger. “He’s at home. He has to go to doctors and they told me he cannot play, that’s all.

“Arjen Robben is here. That means he could play. This is his first training session, so we will see.”

Despite the injuries, Bayern skipper Philipp Lahm said he and his team-mates were determined to show their enduring strength and win the contest.

“It’s been difficult as people came late after the World Cup,” said Lahm. “We also have injured players. It’s not the best, but we have to accept the challenge. We’re at home, we’re not afraid and not concerned. I think we’re going to win.”

Lahm and former City defender Jerome Boateng were both part of Germany’s World Cup-winning side in Brazil.

Boateng said lifting the World Cup had made opponents more determined against Bayern.

“They are more motivated,” said Boateng. “It’s not the whole team that won the World Cup, but there a few of us, and other players want to prove themselves against us. Maybe there is some more respect, but we haven’t seen that.”

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