Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng will be out of action for up to six weeks after he underwent surgery on a pectoral muscle tendon.
Boateng missed Bayern's weekend win overDarmstadt due to the injury, and club doctor Volker Braun revealed the medical procedure had gone to plan.
Get well soon, @JB17Official! #Boateng has successfully undergone surgery on a pectoral tendon. More soon at https://t.co/HrQKLid2Ov pic.twitter.com/Y1HgvNHpa3
"The operation went very well. If there are no problems with the healing process, Jerome Boateng will be unavailable for approximately six weeks, Braun toldBayern's official club website.
There had been hopes the 28-year-old could take part in Bayern's vital Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, who have emerged as surprise title contenders.
The matchis part of the last round of fixtures before the Bundesliga's winter break, and Carlo Ancelotti will be thankful Boateng will not miss too many fixtures should his rehab go to plan.
Boateng has had a tough time with injuries so far this season, making just seven appearances in the Bundesliga due to medical problems.
Over the last few months the former Manchester City defender has been kept out of action with muscular,shoulder and kneeinjuries, while he also missed a large chunk of pre-season due to a muscle problem.
Bayern managed to overcome Darmstadt on Sunday thanks to Douglas Costa's second-half strike, a win which kept Ancelotti's side top of the Bundesliga thanks to their superior goal difference. RB Leipzig stay level on points with Bayern thanks to their win over Hertha Berlin on Saturday, with Timo Werner and Willi Orban grabbing the goals in a 2-0 win.