Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari to miss up to four months after ankle surgery

Bayern Munich will be without Ismael Saibari for three to four months after the midfielder underwent surgery on a torn syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle.

Serge Gnabry is also expected to miss the next several weeks after suffering a muscle injury in his left thigh, meaning the Germany international is unlikely to return before Christmas.

Both players were injured during Bayern Munich’s 2-2 Klassiker draw with Borussia Dortmund. Saibari was forced off in the 29th minute after colliding with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, while Gnabry was substituted shortly afterwards.

Bayern confirmed the nature of the injuries the following day, announcing that Saibari had undergone successful surgery.

The setback comes at a significant point in the season for Bayern, who travel to Spain on Tuesday to face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

Technical director Max Eberl provided an update on Monday and said the club expected Saibari to be unavailable for several months, despite the midfielder appearing to be in good spirits.

“He was already sitting with us at lunch today. I was completely surprised and asked him whether it would be two or three weeks. He laughed a little and said: ‘Two and a half,’” Eberl said.

“That probably won’t be the case. We’re expecting him to be out for three to four months with the syndesmosis ligament tear.”

Gnabry’s recovery is expected to be shorter, but Bayern Munich will still have to manage without the forward until around Christmas.

The two injuries leave Bayern dealing with significant absences as they prepare for their Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid.