Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will be out for at least two weeks with a knee problem, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said yesterday.
Schweinsteiger, who has been nursing a patella tendon injury in his left knee for months and needed treatment during Germany’s victorious World Cup campaign in June and July, has not yet played this season.
“Our doctor is confident this will not be a long-term issue,” Rummenigge told reporters at a club event in Munich.
“But obviously this is not an issue of one or two weeks. It may last a little more than that and we just have to be a bit patient.”
Schweinsteiger looks like missing Germany’s friendly against Argentina on Sept. 3 as well as the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland a few days later.
He is not the only injury concern at Bayern with fellow midfielder Javi Martinez sidelined for the rest of the year with torn cruciate ligaments.
Defender Rafinha and midfielder Thiago Alcantara are also long-term injury victims while Franck Ribery missed last week’s German Super Cup final defeat by Borussia Dortmund and the 4-1 German Cup first-round win over Preussen Muenster.
Coach Pep Guardiola, who earlier this month ruled out any more incoming transfers, said last week the team now needed a replacement for Martinez.
The Bundesliga starts on Friday with Bayern taking on Wolfsburg.
“Whether or not we will be active in the transfer market depends on the quality on offer and the price,” said Rummenigge who is keeping his cards close to his chest about rumours Bayern are interested in signing Mehdi Benatia from Roma.
The Bavarians have been linked with a move for the Moroccan defender ever since it was confirmed that Martinez will be out long-term.
Roma value the player at no less than €40 million.
“We’re not going to say anything because, if in doubt, that could only make the player more expensive,” Rummenigge added.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for former Udinese defender Benatia, who only moved to Rome last summer.
Earlier this summer, the 27-year-old claimed Roma had reneged on an agreement to increase his wages after a successful first year at the club which saw them qualify for the Champions League after finishing second in Serie A.