Lewandowski a doubt for Bayern against Real Madrid

Lewandowski has scored 38 goals in 40 games this season for Bundesliga leaders Bayern

BAYERN Munich could be without striker Robert Lewandowski for their Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Lewandowski, who has scored 38 goals in 40 appearances this season, is a doubt after injuring his shoulder on Sunday.

However, Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti, who led Real to their 10th European Cup title in 2014, says the Bundesliga side “can still be strong without him”.

“If he is in pain he won’t play, but it won’t change our strategy,” he said.

“We will decide whether Lewandowski can play on Wednesday. We know how important he is, but it won’t change our self-confidence.”

Ancelotti expects goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to return after a foot injury, but defender Mats Hummels is out after damaging ankle ligaments during Bayern’s 4-1 defeat of Borussia Dortmund.

La Liga leaders Real won their 11th European title in May, at the end of Zinedine Zidane’s first full campaign in charge.

Zidane had previously worked under Ancelotti as Real assistant, and this is the first time they will meet as opposing managers.

Zidane was appointed Real Madrid boss after Rafael Benitez – Ancelotti’s replacement – was sacked

‘The Spanish side are without injured defenders Pepe and Raphael Varane, but their front three – Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale – are all fit.

“We know each other very well, but that doesn’t mean anything: it’s not an advantage or a disadvantage. It’s two good teams coming up against each other and that’s all there is to it,” Zidane said.

“We’re not lining up against Carlo. What happened three years ago happened and it was wonderful. But this is a completely different game.

“I think our team is better now than in 2014 – but we need to prove it.”

Wednesday’s first leg will be the 23rd fixture between the sides, making it the most played match in Uefa club competition.

SOURCE: BBC SPORT