James Rodriguez suffers a knee injury that could keep him out until 2019 Bundesliga Sprain in the external ligaments of the left knee

According to a statement from Bayern Munich, James Rodriguez has suffered a knee injury and could be out until the new year.

James was examined by the club's doctor, Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, and his knee will remain immobilised initially for ten days, before beginning rehabilitation therapy.

Although the estimated down time isn't officially known at this stage, the player will be out of action for several weeks and could have said goodbye to 2018 as the winter break in German football begins on December 24.

"Bad news! James Rodriguez suffered a sprain to the outer ligaments of his left knee in training," said the statement.

The injury is more bad news for Bayern who are experiencing a difficult start to the season in the Bundesliga.

A recent defeat in the classic against Borussia Dortmund left the Bavarians in fifth position in the German championship.