“It was initially a bit of a shock because he was good for us with his dynamism.”

Perisic, a 2018 World Cup finalist, joined Bayern in August from Inter Milan to provide attacking options. He has scored four goals so far in the Bundesliga.

Bayern are already struggling with a string of injuries to key players. But they have also reclaimed the Bundesliga lead last week and take on Hoffenheim in the German Cup third round on Wednesday.