Berlin - Bayern Munich's German international defender Holger Badstuber faces another lengthy period on the sidelines after discovering he needs an operation on a torn tendon in his right thigh.
Badstuber, who was out for more than 20 months after a serious right knee injury in December 2012, sustained his latest injury in Bayern's 2-0 victory over Stuttgart in Bundesliga action on Saturday.
"Terrible news for Badstuber: the diagnosis showed a rupture of a right thigh tendon which necessitates an operation. we expect a long period of unavailability," Bayern announced.
It is estimated that Badstuber, 25, will be out for three months.
"I'm obviously very disappointed, but I now know how to deal with such a situation," said Badstuber.
"Don't worry! I'll return at the level I'd refound after my lengthy absence. I will not quit."