Heynckes reveals Luiz Gustavo is an option for Bayern at left-back

Aug 4, 2012 8:30:00 AM

The Bavarians are without several first-team regulars due to injury, but have no intention of making any new signings, as they are ready to use the Brazilian midfielder in defence

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has claimed Luiz Gustavo is capable at filling in at left-back for the foreseeable future.

The Bundesliga giants are being plagued by injury problems in defence as Rafinha, David Alaba and Diego Contento are all currently sidelined, and Heynckes is now ready to use the former Hoffenheim midfielder in a deeper role than usual.

"Gustavo at left-back can work. In my opinion, it's a question of acclimatisation and identifying with the position," Heynckes told the club's official website.

"He didn't do badly at all in defence [in the friendly] against Kaiserslautern, quite the opposite..."

Heynckes then went on to add that Philipp Lahm is not an option for him at left-back, as he prefers the Germany international on the right-hand side.

"I'm unwilling to switch Philipp back to the other side. I have to take account of the big picture," continued the trainer.

"We need to play down the wings, delivering crosses and angled balls into the box. We have top-class strikers who are excellent on the end of crosses, but we have to supply them from the wide areas. Lahm is at his best from the right flank in this respect."

Bayern open the 2012-13 Bundesliga campaign with an away match versus Greuther Furth.