Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery out for the rest of the year
October 2, 2017The French winger, a key part of Bayern's squad, was withdrawn by caretaker-coach Willy Sagnol in the second half of Bayern's 2-2 draw with Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
Ribery, 34, ruptured a ligament in his knee after stepping on the ball with no opponent nearby. He will not need surgery but his knee will be put into a splint for several weeks before a further decision is made on his treatment.
Ribery missed 12 games with injury last season and a large portion of the 2014/15 season with ankle problems.
"We are sorry that Franck has injured himself. We wish him a speedy and good recovery," Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
The news is a blow to a club already reeling from a run of two draws and a loss in their last three games and the departure of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Frenchman is the second long-term injured player after keeper Manuel Neuer, who is recovering from a foot fracture and not expected back until January. Bayern are also missing back up leftback Juan Bernat and have concerns over the fitness of midfielder Arturo Vidal.
mp/ (DPA/SID)