Bayern Munich have confirmed 2018 World Cup winner Corentin Tolisso tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
The France international sustained the injury just before half-time of Bayern’s 3-1 triumph over league rivals Leverkusen.
Making his first start of the season following his summer exploits in Russia, Tolisso drew Bayern level in the 10th-minute but could now faces a long spell on the sidelines.
Bayern’s medical staff confirmed the club’s worst fears shortly after the full-time whistle and now the 24-year-old is scheduled to undergo surgery on Sunday.
“Corentin Tolisso sustained a serious injury in Bayern’s home Bundesliga encounter with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, the Munich club’s medical uni ascertained following an examination after the game,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“The French World Cup winner rupture a cruciate ligament and the medial meniscus in his right knee and will undergo surgery on Sunday. The midfielder will be sidelined for several months.”
Bayern came from behind to beat Leverkusen and maintain their 100 per cent start to the season, but the win came at a cost.
As well as losing Tolisso for the rest of 2018, Brazilian full-back Rafinha will also be sidelined for the foreseeable future after suffering ankle ligament damage.
Karim Bellarabi was shown a straight red card for his tackle on Rafinha with 10 minutes remaining, with David Alaba subbed on to replace the defender.
Tolisso played a direct hand in 10 league goals during his maiden campaign at Bayern (six goals, four assists).
However, Bayern have only lost one of the 19 league games Tolisso has not started since then and have a wealth of midfield options to cope with his absence.
