Will Bayern's edge be blunted by Lewandowski injury?

Bayern Munich head into the start of a crucial series of games this weekend without key striker Robert Lewandowski, who has contributed 25 league goals this season.

The 31-year-old Pole picked up a knee injury during Bayern's 3-0 demolition of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday when they looked every inch a club with the pedigree of five Champions League titles to their name.

Bayern have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals but Lewandowski will miss the second leg at the Allianz Arena on March 18 and at least three Bundesliga matches, starting with Saturday's trip to Hoffenheim.

With a mere one-point lead at the top over Leipzig in an exciting Bundesliga title race, reigning champions Bayern cannot afford to slip up at eighth-placed Hoffenheim.

Bayern's French forward Kingsley Coman will also be missing through injury on Saturday, most likely putting the attacking duties in the hands of Serge Gnabry who grabbed two goals against Chelsea before Lewandowski finished the job.

Thomas Mueller, who has enjoyed an impressive return to his old self under coach Hansi Flick, could also chip in with goals.

"Lewandowski is in the form of his life," Flick said.

"He can't be replaced. He is very, very important to us."
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