Bayern Munich have confirmed that Holger Badstuber will miss the rest of the season with a torn thigh muscle.
The central defender returned from a long absence earlier this campaign after suffering serious knee injuries, but he is set for another extended spell on the sidelines as the club expect him to be out of action for up to four months.
"I am very disappointed but nevertheless I am positive and will come back healthy," Badstuber said in a statement on Thursday.
"I know what Bayern has done for me and I will come back as an important part of the team."
The 26-year-old adds to Bayern's injury woes, with Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Javi Martinez among the players still unavailable to head coach Pep Guardiola.