Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has been ruled out for approximately six weeks after undergoing surgery on a pectoral tendon, the Bundesliga champions have announced.
The Germany international has not played since a shaky display in the 3-2 Champions League defeat at Rostov on November 23 and went under the knife in Munich on Tuesday.
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The operation was deemed a success with Bayern suggesting the centre-half will be sidelined until early February.
A club statement read: "Prof. Dr. Andreas Imhoff operated on the right pectoral muscle of Jerome Boateng on Tuesday in Munich."
Bayern doctor Volker Braun added: "The operation went very well. If the healing process is optimal, Jerome Boateng will not be available for about six weeks."
Get well soon, @JB17Official! #Boateng has successfully undergone surgery on a pectoral tendon. More soon at https://t.co/HrQKLid2Ov pic.twitter.com/Y1HgvNHpa3
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 20, 2016
Boateng will be an interested observer when Bayern look to clinch the 'Winter Champions' title at home to RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old has suffered another injury-plagued season, making just 14 appearances for club and country due to knee and hamstring problems.
He will spend the mid-season break working on his rehabilitation, although he is unlikely to be fit when Bayern resume their Bundesliga campaign at Freiburg on January 20.