Injuries are not an excuse, insists Guardiola

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Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has played down his side's lengthy injury list ahead of their trip to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Guardiola's men head into the top-of-the-table clash four points ahead of rivals Dortmund following an unbeaten start to their Bundesliga title defence.

However, the Bavarians are set to be without a number of key players at Signal Iduna Park, with winger Franck Ribery the latest to be ruled out of contention with a rib injury.

However, Guardiola does not believe their injury problems should be used as an excuse as they aim to open up a seven-point lead over Jurgen Klopp's team - who have major injury issues of their own, with the likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic and Marcel Schmelzer all sidelined. 

"We are excited about this opportunity. This is a big, big game," the Spaniard said.

"That's (the injuries) no excuse. I hate excuses.

"They are a bit of a problem, but I'm especially sad for the players. But I am very sure the team that plays against Dortmund will have great quality."