The injury David Alaba received in the match against Schalke is worse than feared, and the midfielder is set to be out until the new year. As it's been for Bayern Munich so far, when one player returns from injury (Franck Ribery), another finds himself sidelined.
"He won't play again before the winter break," Pep Guardiola said. "I hope he'll be able to train with us at the start of the New Year."
With Alaba out and Juan Bernat yet to return from injury, Guardiola is likely to bounce between a three and four man backline. When four players are in defense, it's likely that we see Rafinha and Philipp Lahm occupy the two fullback positions. Both players have the ability to play on either side as FC Bayern head into the winter break.
While injuries are never a good thing, Bayern have the depth to rest these injured players to give them the time they need to return. The goal for the Bavarians remains having a healthy squad entering March, April, and May.