Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala has suffered a muscle tear in his left hamstring and is out "for the time being" in the latest injury blow for the Bundesliga leaders and Champions League quarter-finalists.
Bayern did not say in their statement on Saturday after a scan when he could be back, while Sky TV said the playmaker would be out of action for around eight weeks.
Musiala sustained the injury in Friday's 3-1 Bundesliga victory at Augsburg and limped off.
Bad news for club and country
An eight-week absence would see him miss the remainder of the Bundesliga season, and the Champions League final on May 31 should Bayern feature in it.
It would also make him highly doubtful for the Nations League Final Four tournament where Germany play Portugal in the semi-finals on June 4 and the final or match for third place on June 8.
"The news of his injury is incredibly bitter," Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said.
"I'm personally very sorry for Jamal, that he's missing this stage of the season with Bayern's important Champions League duels. All of us from the national team wish him a speedy recovery and a quick and safe return to the pitch. We will be there for him!"
Musiala could however feature again at the Club World Cup in the United States which Bayern start on June 15 against Auckland FC.
The bad news came ahead of Tuesday's Champions League first leg quarter-final against Inter Milan. The European showcase event has added significance for Bayern because the final is in their home stadium.
Bayern have defenders Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito out with long term injuries, and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic are yet to return from illness and injury, respectively.
Musiala's injury is now the latest setback in the business end of the season.
Bayern not complaining
"I'm not moaning about the situation. We have confidence in each other and will solve this with the squad. We need all the players who are available," coach Vincent Kompany said post-match in Augsburg.
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich referred to the whole squad when he said: "Everyone realises now that they are needed. Everyone gets their chance and has to stay hungry and ready."
Board member for sport Max Eberl agreed that "the other players have to step into the breach.
"We're looking forward to this Champions League quarter final against Inter Milan at home. We can't change the injuries and want to focus on what's coming up and who's available.”
More playing time for Müller?
Musiala's injury could open the door for veteran Thomas Müller to get more playing time in his final weeks at the club, after an announcement earlier Saturday that Bayern would not renew his contract beyond summer after 25 years at the club.
Club icon Müller has only played sporadically this season. He came on for Musiala on Friday, and Kimmich said that Müller "still has something left in the tank."
Pavlovic return nearing
Eberl meanwhile also suggested that ...
