Bayern Munich may be without their influential winger Arjen Robben for their crucial Bundesliga fixture against Bayer Leverkusen on November 21.

The Dutchman has been ruled out of his national team's two international friendlies against Italy and Paraguay after struggling with a knee injury.

"He is still labouring with the injury," explained Holland coach Bert van Marwijk.

Robben made a speedy recovery from a knee operation recently, but perhaps he was rushed back into action too quickly as the very same knee is now causing him even more problems and risks ruling him out of the Leverkusen clash.

Bayern need to win that game to reduce the deficit at the top of the table to three points.

Defeat would leave them nine points adrift of the league leaders in eighth position and increase the pressure on coach Louis van Gaal, whose fate could be decided just a few days later if his side fails to beat Maccabi Haifa and, consequently, crashes out of the Champions League.