Bayern's Alaba sidelined with knee injury

Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has been sidelined for several weeks due to a knee injury.

The 22-year-old suffered a partial tear of the medial ligament and damaged his meniscus of the right knee during the team's 2-0 win over Roma in a group stage match of the UEFA Champions League, reports Xinhua. Alaba was replaced in the 81st minute following the injury during the match at the Allianz Arena, here.

"This is quite bitter for me. I hope to return to the pitch very soon with the help of our medical team," Alaba said.

The Austrian international will undergo a surgery in the coming days.

"This is a very bad news for us. We lose a top player who can play in every positions. It is a pity," coach Pep Guardiola said.

It is the second injury blow for the Bavarians as they lost striker Claudio Pizzaro to a thigh injury Wednesday.

Bayern lead the Bundesliga standings with a four-point advantage, followed by Wolfsburg and Monchengladbach.