Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic is set for a short spell on the sidelines after admitting breathing problems following surgery on a broken nose.

The Croatia international picked up the facial injury on international duty last week and lost his race against time to feature in Bayern’s 3-0 home win over Hanover on Saturday.

Olic told German Sports newspaper Bild he “can’t breath properly” after an operation last Tuesday and the injury has added to a long list of absentees for the struggling Bundesliga giants.

Last season’s UEFA Champions league finalists were already without Dutch duo Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben, with Daniel van Buyten, Franck Ribery and Miroslav Klose completing the list of high-profile absentees.

Fringe players Breno, Diego Contento, and David Alaba add to boss Louis van Gaal’s woes, but the return to action of Bastian Schweinsteiger against Hanover was a timely boost.

Mario Gomez ensured the stars were not missed as his hat-trick lifted Bayern up to tenth position, although they still trail early leaders Dortmund by ten points after eight games.