Holger Badstuber: Return to the fold cut short by thigh problem

Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines after being told he needs an operation on a thigh injury.

The Germany defender, who has only just returned to action after spending 20 months out with a serious knee injury, pulled up after kicking the ball during Bayern's 2-0 win over Stuttgart on Sunday.

It was initially thought he had only strained his thigh, but a test on Sunday revealed he had actually torn muscle tendons.

"Of course I'm very disappointed right now," said the 25-year-old on his club's website.

"But I'm now used to it and I know how to deal with such situations. Don't worry, I will come back and carry on from where I had got back to after my long injury absence.

"I will not give up."

Badstuber had been highly praised by Bayern coach Pep Guardiola for his performances this season, but the Catalan coach will now have to find a replacement for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Manchester City.

New signing Medhi Benatia could therefore make his debut against the Premier League club.