Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo underwent groin surgery on Monday and will not play again this year. The former 1899 Hoffenheim player suffered the injury two weeks ago in Bayern’s match against Hamburg and after not responding to treatment, it was decided by the club’s medical staff that surgery was required to fix the problem.

Gustavo, 25, released a statement on Wednesday saying that the operation had been a success.

He said: “It is expected that I return to play at the beginning of next year. Thank God everything worked out. I still have pain in the region, but it is normal. I hope now to be able to play again without pain, because it bothered me too much during training and games.”

The Brazilian, who has been capped twice by his country, missed his side’s 1-1 draw on Tuesday night against Valencia in Spain. Despite the German giants dominating possession, Valencia, who had been down to 10 men since the 33rd minute, took the lead in the game via a deflected Sofiane Feghouli shot. However, Bayern equalized five minutes later through Thomas Müller.

The draw secured Bayern’s passage into the knockout stages along with Valencia, who had qualified earlier in the day thanks to Lille’s 2-0 win at BATE Borisov.