Bayern stars fall, but Hitzfeld is confident

Bayern Munich are without striker Miroslav Klose and defender Philipp Lahm for Sunday's clash with defending champions VfB Stuttgart, while captain Oliver Kahn is a major injury worry.

With a ten-point lead at the top of the table, Bayern have a mathematical chance of winning the Bundesliga title this weekend if title rivals Werder Bremen lose at Karlsruhe and Bayern beat Stuttgart.

But Bayern have been hit by the loss of striker Klose, who broke his nose in three places during Thursday night's UEFA Cup semi-final draw with Zenit St Petersburg and will need an operation.

Defender Lahm is out with a hip injury, while a huge question mark hangs over captain Kahn who damaged his back against Zenit.

“He will receive care today and Saturday, but he is very doubtful for Sunday,” said Bayern coach Hitzfeld.

Kahn left the field in the 67th minute in what was his last home match in European competition.

The 38-year-old will retire at the end of the season.

“We will have to see how he recovers, but I am not worried, we have the necessary manpower,” added Hitzfeld.

And despite having led the Bundesliga from the opening day of the season, Hitzfeld admitted for the first time it is just a matter of time before Bayern are crowned champions of Germany for the 21st time.