Borussia Dortmund and Serbia defender Neven Subotic will miss around six weeks after undergoing surgery on a facial fracture.
The Bundesliga champion said Sunday that Subotic underwent surgery at a Bochum hospital for almost two hours late Saturday, after sustaining the injury in Dortmund's 5-1 defeat of Wolfsburg.
Subotic was hit in the face by Wolfsburg defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos' elbow as the two challenged for a corner in the 42nd minute.
The 22-year-old had three plates fitted - in his upper jaw and eye socket - during surgery.
Dortmund team doctor Markus Braun said Subotic would remain in hospital for a few days.
Kyrgiakos told Wolfsburg's website that he contacted Subotic to express his regret over the incident.
''I am very upset by Neven's serious injury,'' Kyrgiakos said. ''It was an accident, I didn't see him as I was running back and wanted to reach the ball. I hope he's back on the pitch as soon as possible and wish him the very best for it.''
