Flu depletes Bayern stocks

Bayern Munich are sweating on the availability of several key players ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga match against Stuttgart.

Bayern fielded a second-string line-up in their Champions League loss to Manchester City on Wednesday night, having already qualified for the last 16 of the competition.

Mario Gomez and Thomas Mueller were both on the bench at Etihad Stadium, but were still suffering the effects of flu-like symptoms.

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes told Kicker: “Mario has trouble with his bronchi, which is … very alarming.”

Toni Kroos and Arjen Robben did not travel to Manchester after being laid low by the virus running through the squad, and are considered major doubts for the trip to face Stuttgart on Saturday.

“Both are taking antibiotics because they can see how serious this is,” Heynckes added.

Bayern sit first in the Bundesliga on 31 points, nine clear of Stuttgart, who are seventh.