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Mario Mandžukić and Bastian Schweinsteiger will not help Bayern Munich in their quest for their tenth domestic double. Schweinsteiger was day-to-day with knee inflamation, while Mandzukic's absence was a managerial decision.
"It is my decision that Mandžukić is not here," said Guardiola. "I have contemplated other players. He can play. We have 20 players this week, we decided on 18. That's all." [Die Welt]
Sport Bild reported that the Croatian has departed Germany to meet up with his compatriots in preparation for the World Cup. Guardiola supposedly bid him a farewell beforehand, saying "I wish you well at your new club."
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge refused to comment, according to Sport Bild, but Guardiola revealed in his press conference that Mandžukić was "left out of the roster for disciplinary reasons."
Mandžukić is having his best scoring season of his career, notching 26 goals in all competition, including 18 in the Bundesliga. Bild linked his name in a direct swap with Chelsea for David Luiz on Thursday, while Arsenal, Juventus, and Real Madrid are all reportedly keen on his services as well.
Mandžukić not started consecutive matches since the end of April, playing against Eintracht Braunschweig in preparation for the UEFA Champions League Semifinal against Real Madrid. He and Arjen Robben both got breaks from training at the beginning of the week, according to the club website, returning on Wednesday.
With Mandžukić out, Thomas Müller will probably start in his place. Rafinha will also likely find the field with Philipp Lahm required to move back into midfield.