Robben missing for Bayern against AEK, James doubtful

Bayern Munich will be without veteran winger Arjen Robben for Wednesday's Champions League match with AEK Athens while midfielder James Rodriguez is doubtful.

"Arjen Robben will not make it for tomorrow's game," coach Niko Kovac said Tuesday. "James has a calf problem, we'll have to wait and see if he can play."

Robben has a knee problem and misses out alongside long-term absentees Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso.

Bayern will confirm their place in the last 16 of the competition with victory should Ajax defeat Benfica elsewhere.

It would ease the pressure on Kovac which has increased again following a 1-1 draw with Freiburg last weekend. Bayern are now four points behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund before the pair meet in a crucial clash Saturday.

"First and foremost, tomorrow's match is all that counts for me," Kovac said. "The atmosphere in the team is good. We're feeling confident."

Bayern had won four in a row prior to Freiburg but that came after a winless run of four in all competitions.

Despite their star-studded squad, the attack has not clicked under Kovac. Bayern have scored 18 goals in 10 league games but that is fewer than five others in the division.

The coach also gave an update on winger Coman, who has been out since suffering an ankle injury in the opening Bundesliga game of the season.

"He will start running again tomorrow," said Kovac. "He's feeling good. We hope we can keep building him up so that he's fully fit soon."