Bayern Munich defenderJerome Boateng will be out of actionuntil the beginning of March, following an operationlast month.
According to German magazineKicker, the original return date of early February was overly-optimistic afterBoateng required surgery for achest injurysustained in training in December.
Nice afternoon in Munich! �☀ I'm ready to start my rehab soon! Hope you enjoy your day! ✌� #coldbutgold #friends pic.twitter.com/4DLeZyhjgl
Following the operation, Bayern's website released a positivestatement from team doctor Volker Braun, which read:"The operation has gone very well, and with an optimal healing process, Jerome Boateng will not be available for about six weeks."
However, Kicker now claims to have information which suggests the World Cup winner's likely return to action will actually be sometime in March.
This wouldmean that Bayern will likely be without Boateng for both Champions League knockout clashes withArsenal, on February 15 and March 7 respectively.
The German publication also speculates that the new setback could force the Bavarians hand in the transfer market, as they look to secure a short term replacement, whileCarlo Ancelotti may also rethink the club's decision to allow Holger Badstuber to leave. The defender had beenlinked with the Premier League, but may now be held in Germany for the remainder of the season as additional cover.