Boateng's groin injury adds to Bayern's defensive woes

Bayern Munich face a mini defensive injury crisis after centre-back Jerome Boateng was ruled out for several weeks on Saturday with a groin injury. The 27-year-old had to be helped off in the second-half of Bayern's 2-1 win at Hamburg on Friday, when the German league resumed following its winter break. He will definitely miss next Saturday's game at home to bottom side Hoffenheim, then Bayer Leverkusen away in a fortnight, and faces a race against time to be fit for Bayern's Champions League last 16 first-leg clash at Juventus in a month. "We have a problem, but we'll find a solution," said coach Pep Guardiola. A scan in Munich on Saturday confirmed Boateng had injured his left groin, but the club has only said he faces a "long pause", while Bayern have a month to recoup playing resources before the Juventus showdown. The fresh injury leaves Bayern short in defence, with centre-back Medhi Benatia and wing-back Rafinha also sidelined. "Things are slowly getting a bit tight in defence and it's important that we get a few injured people back soon," said captain Philipp Lahm. "I don't have an explanation as to why we are picking up so many injuries all of a sudden." However, there was some good news as left-back Juan Bernat returned to full training on Saturday for the first time since October after a groin injury. Meanwhile, Bayern left mid-table Hamburg with three points thanks to two goals from Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, to move 11 points clear in the league table ahead of Saturday's fixtures. "We knew we'd get nothing for free here," said Thomas Mueller, who played a big part in both Lewandowski's goals. "Several other teams had difficulties against Hamburg too. "We know we're not yet in top form, but I'm happy. We aim to improve with every match." After Lewandowski netted a first-half penalty, Hamburg equalised with a free-kick from Aaron Hunt before the Poland striker netted his second after flicking in Mueller's shot. "In the first half we controlled the game, but we were asleep when Hamburg had their free-kick," said Lewandowski, scorer of 17 goals in 17 league games this season. "Fortunately we've still won and we know we still need some time after the winter break. "The main thing was to take three points in the first match of the year."