Bayern hit by Covid crisis

Champions Bayern Munich are struggling with COVID-19 cases and an ongoing discussion on players' vaccinations, with defenders Josip Stanisic and Niklas Suele sidelined after positive tests, as they prepare to face Augsburg in Friday's Bavarian derby.

Suele tested positive earlier this month, forcing four team mates - Serge Gnabry, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich - to go into isolation until two days ago.

Kimmich, who has not been vaccinated after voicing his concerns over potential long-term effects, has been at the heart of an ongoing discussion about whether top footballers should all take the shot given their role model function in society.

Fans for the game need to have either proof of vaccination or proof of having recovered from an infection.

Kimmich will, however, stay in the same hotel with the team for the trip to Augsburg, benefiting from an exception in new health rules issued by the state of Bavaria, that allows for professional travel and accommodation of non-vaccinated people.

Bayern, chasing an unprecedented 10th consecutive league crown, are four points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund and with a league record 40-goal haul after 11 Bundesliga matches, few would bet against them in Augsburg.

But the hosts know that if the champions are not fully focused on the game at the start, they could have a chance.