GLASGOW -- Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his admiration for the injured Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski but acknowledged Bayern Munich have the strength in depth to cope with their absences.
Both Bayern attackers have suffered hamstring strains and will not be available to face Celtic in Glasgow in Tuesday's Champions League clash.
"Muller is a player that I have always loved, wherever he has played," Rodgers said at a news conference ahead of the meeting between the Scottish and German champions.
"Whether it be as a striker, wide on the right like he did against us [in Munich] as an advanced midfield player. He is a very gifted player with the will and desire to play well.
Lewandowski, 29, scored in the German champions 2-0 win over Leipzig on Saturday, which took them to the top of the Bundesliga for the first time this season. However, Bayern's top scorer limped off on the stroke of half time with a hamstring problem.
He underwent a fitness test in Munich on Monday and did not fly with the Bayern squad to the Scottish capital.
Rodgers said: "Lewandowski is one of world's the best strikers with his movement, speed and his quality."
Despite these two high-profile absences, Rodgers would not be underestimating the task his side faces.
"Of course, they are two players that are world class, and have consistently been so for a number of years," he said. "These two players will be a miss for them but they have some very good players behind them to come in.
"James Rodriguez came in and scored in the last game. They are a talented team, they have been set up and put together to win this competition.
"We know the magnitude of the test but it's one we will really relish."