Heynckes contemplates Gustavo solution

The curse of injury has struck the left side of the Bayern defence. The men marked in for the full-back role on that flank, David Alaba and Diego Contento, are both sidelined at present. With just three weeks to go before the Bundesliga restart fixture, a solution is urgently required. Might FCB sign a new player? “That's not on the table," boss Jupp Heynckes said on Friday.

Instead, the coach has a number of options within the existing squad. For example, Philipp Lahm could revert to the left flank. It's a position he has often filled in his career, including a long spell last season. However, Heynckes is reluctant to consider the possibility. “I'm unwilling to switch Philipp back to the other side," he stated, “I have to take account of the big picture."