Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez will be out of action for at least a month after undergoing ankle surgery in Munich.
The Germany international picked up an injury to his right ankle during Saturday's defeat to Werder Bremen in a pre-season friendly match and, after undergoing a scan, it was decided to operate.
Loose bodies in his ankle were removed in the operation and the Bavarian club's doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has ordered him to rest for the next three weeks.
"After that, he will then be able to begin light training work again," said Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt.
The 27-year-old will therefore miss the start of the Bundesliga season on August 25 and is doubtful for Bayern's first Champions League games of the season next month.
He is unavailable to Germany coach Joachim Low for a friendly match with Argentina next week, but the player's priority is getting back to full fitness.
"I am pleased that the operation was a success and that the pain has now gone,'' said Gomez in a statement.
"Now I will need to be a bit patient and then I will do all I can to get back as quickly as possible."
New signings Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Pizarro will be the beneficiaries of Gomez's injury as they will now get the chance to stake their claims for a starting berth before he returns.
