Socceroo Mitch Langerak is set for an extended stint on the sidelines after his German club VfB Stuttgart revealed the goalkeeper requires knee surgery.

The news is an unwelcome set-back for the 27-year-old, who made the move from fellow Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund in the off-season in search of regular game time.

Langerak has been hindered by a minor thigh tear sustained in pre-season shortly after arriving at the club in June and has been in rehabilitation since.

During his recovery a cyst developed on the back of the keeper’s knee which the club has decided will require surgery, ruling Langerak out of action for six to eight weeks.

The former Melbourne Victory shot-stopper was not included in the Socceroos squad for next week’s FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifiers as he sought to return to full fitness.

Langerak will find himself in a battle to displace teammate Przemyslaw Tyton when he makes his return, with Stuttgart currently languishing at the foot of the ladder after opening the season with consecutive losses.