Bayern Munich’s Saibari faces extended lay-off after ankle surgery

Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari could be sidelined for up to four months after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury sustained against Borussia Dortmund.

The Morocco international was initially expected to miss at least three months after being injured during Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the eighth round of the Bundesliga.

However, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said on Monday that Saibari’s recovery could take longer than first thought because he suffered a torn syndesmosis ligament in his ankle.

The syndesmosis is a group of tissues connecting the two bones in the lower leg and helping to stabilise the ankle joint. Injuries to the area require careful rehabilitation, with an early return increasing the risk of a setback.

Eberl confirmed that Saibari’s operation had been successful but said the nature of the injury meant the player would need a lengthy period of recovery and rehabilitation before he could return to competitive action.

“The operation went well yesterday. He was already sitting with us at lunch today,” Eberl said in comments reported by journalist Florian Plettenberg.

“I was completely surprised and asked him whether he would be back in two or three weeks. He laughed a little and said: two and a half weeks. But that probably will not happen. We expect him to be out for between three and four months because of the torn syndesmosis ligament.”

Saibari was hurt following a challenge involving the opposing goalkeeper and was helped from the Allianz Arena on crutches. The incident immediately raised concerns over the length of his absence.

The match also brought further injury problems for Bayern. Serge Gnabry is expected to miss between four and six weeks with a hamstring injury, while the extent of Michael Olise’s problem was still being assessed in the first hours after the game.

Goalkeeper Jonas Urbig suffered dizziness after taking a heavy blow to the head. Bayern continued to monitor his condition while assessing when he could return.

Saibari’s injury is a significant setback for Bayern, who had hoped to rely on the Moroccan midfielder during a demanding period of domestic and European fixtures.

Based on the revised estimate, he could remain unavailable until February or March 2027, depending on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation.

For Bayern’s medical staff, the priority will be to ensure Saibari regains full fitness before returning to matches rather than risk a premature comeback that could lead to a recurrence of the injury.