Bayern Munich’s quest for the domestic and European treble (Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Champions League) took a significant hit on Wednesday when it was announced that Austrian defender/midfielder David Alaba suffered a torn MCL in his left knee while on international duty this week.
[ FOLLOW: All of PST’s Bundesliga coverage ]
No date for an operation to repair the ligament was announced, but Alaba, 22, will miss at least the next seven weeks of Bayern’s season.
While the two-time defending Bundesliga champions are 10 points clear of the rest of the league, Pep Guardiola’s side will be without Alaba for key cup ties against Bayer Leverkusen (German Cup quarterfinal, April 8) and Porto (Champions League quarterfinal, April 15 and 21).
[ UCL QF DRAW: Another Madrid derby, PSG rematch vs. Barcelona ]
Alaba is adamant with his desire to return this season, telling Bayern’s website, “I’m obviously really disappointed at the moment, but I have one big target: I want to be back for the finale this season.”
The 2015 German Cup final will be played on May 30, while the Champions League final is to be played a week later in Berlin.