getty, Simon Hofmann

Eintracht Frankfurt was dealt a blow on Monday when the Bundesliga's top-scorer Alexander Meier was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder needs a knee operation having scored 19 goals in 26 league games this season.

But he is ruled out of Frankfurt's six remaining games with eighth-placed Eintracht only four points from a Europa League spot for next season.

"It is a real pity that I won't be able to finish the season and help the team," said Meier, who will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Meier missed Frankfurt's 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Saturday and Eintracht face another tough test on Saturday when they host third-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach.

"His injury hits us hard," admitted Frankfurt coach Thomas Schaaf.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is poised to take over from Meier as the top scorer in Germany's top flight having currently netted 16 goals, including nine in his last eight games.