Bayern Munich’s Ismael Saibari facing four-month absence after ankle surgery

Bayern Munich expect Ismael Saibari to be out for three to four months after undergoing surgery on a torn syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle.

Serge Gnabry will also miss a significant period, with the Germany international not expected to return until around Christmas following a muscle injury in the posterior of his left thigh.

Both players were injured during Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Klassiker. Saibari was forced off in the 29th minute after colliding with Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Two minutes later, Gnabry also left the match.

Bayern confirmed the nature of the injuries the day after the game, stating that Saibari’s operation had been completed successfully. The club had not initially provided a timetable for either player’s return.

Technical director Max Eberl gave an update on Monday, ahead of Bayern’s UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, and said Saibari’s recovery would be considerably longer than the joking estimate the midfielder had offered earlier in the day.

“He was already sitting with us at lunch today. I was completely surprised and asked him whether it would be two or three weeks. He laughed a little and said: ‘Two and a half.’ That probably won’t be the case. We’re expecting him to be out for three to four months with the syndesmosis ligament tear,” Eberl said at the press conference.

Saibari’s absence means Bayern will be without him for several months as he recovers from the ankle injury and surgery. Gnabry’s lay-off is expected to be shorter, although he will still miss matches until Christmas.

Bayern Munich play Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, November 3rd, at 21.00 CEST.