text: Pep Guardiola believes he has one of the world's best central defenders in Jerome Boateng as he faces up to an injury crisis ahead of Wednesday's German Cup quarter-final. Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in the last eight on Wednesday and Guardiola will be without Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, David Alaba, Javi Martinez and Tom Starke, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has also now been ruled out of the BayArena clash. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: 'Schweinsteiger will not be match fit in time. Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola shouts instructions to his players against Borussia Dortmund . Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of a number of players ruled out of Bayern's German Cup clash . 'We only have 16 players available for Wednesday's game. But this is part of the game. It's my job to find a solution. 'Holger Badstuber is doubtful. I think he can train normally again and we will then have to wait and see how his body reacts. 'We are not looking for excuses, though. It will be a huge challenge for Bayern.' Despite concerns over the fitness of his squad, Guardiola was keen to praise the recent performances of Germany international Boateng . 'Boateng is incredibly important to us,' he said. I think he is one of the three best centre backs in the world at the moment.' Guardiola believes Jerome Boateng (left) is one of the top three centre backs in world football . Bayern's players celebrate after the final whistle following their 1-0 win against Borussia Dortmund . The Bayern boss also offered an apology to midfielder Mario Gotze, who was left on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 victory against rivals Borussia Dortmund. He said: 'I know that it was a sad moment for Gotze that he did not start against Dortmund. He is a great guy, though. Football is his life. 'He is one of the best players I have ever worked with and I am sorry that he could not play. But that was my decision.'
target: Bayern Munich face Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup quarter-finals .
  Pep Guardiola has just 16 fit players to pick from on Wednesday night .
  Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery all ruled out .
  Guardiola believes Jerome Boateng is one of the world's best defenders .