Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcântara is set to miss the first two months of the new Bundesliga campaign after suffering a setback in his recovery from the injury that kept him out of the World Cup.
The Spaniard first suffered the injury in Bayern's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim at the end of March. The injury was diagnosed as a medial ligament tear in his right knee, an injury that required surgery. As a clause in his contract states, he had his personal doctor Ramon Cugat treat him with cortisone before his surgery in mid-May.
Thiago's knee is thought to have reacted badly to the medicine, which has caused tissue damage and extended the time spent of the sidelines. Bayern director Matthias Sammer said at the beginning of pre-season in July that Thiago should be fit in 'seven to eight weeks'.
The injury issues will come as a major blow to both Thiago and Bayern's plans for the coming season. The midfielder was expected to play a bigger role this season after the sale of Toni Kroos to Real Madrid, though it seems that the player may have to wait a while longer to get a bigger chance.
Thiago played 16 games for Bayern in the Bundesliga last season, after the Bavarian side beat Manchester United to sign the player for £22million. In a season plagued with long-term injuries, the player also made four Champions League appearances. Thiago joins Rafinha on the sidelines, with Pep Guardiola's team losing more players before their German Super Cup final match on Wednesday night.
