Bayern's Ribery facing lengthy lay-off

Club confirms forward torn lateral collateral ligament in his left knee in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Hertha Berlin

LONDON: Bayern Munich forward Franck Ribery has torn the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee and will be sidelined for several months, the Bundesliga champions said on Monday.

The 34-year-old Frenchman, who was injured in Sunday's 2-2 league draw at Hertha Berlin, will have his knee put in a splint for a few weeks while he starts the rehabilitation process.

"We're sorry Franck has injured himself," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on the club's website. "We all wish him a speedy and successful recovery."

Ribery joined Munich from Ligue 1 giants Marseille in 2007 and has already represented the club in more than matches, where he scored 75 goals.