Bayern Munich Midfielder Joao Palhinha Faces Weeks Out After Injury While With Portugal

João Palhinha's year could be over early after Bayern Munich midfielder was injured on Portugal duty.

Palhinha will “be sidelined for coming weeks” after he tore a muscle in his right ductor, part of hip and thigh area, Bayern said on Tuesday.

That kept Palhinha out of Portugal's 5-1 win over Poland in Nations League on Friday and its 1-1 draw with Croatia on Monday.

He is set to miss tough games for Bayern including hosting Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League next week, facing Borussia Dortmund in German Klassiker on Nov. 30, and taking on defending champion Bayer Leverkusen in German Cup on Dec. 3.

German media reported Palhinha was not expected to return until after winter break. Bayern's last game before break is Dec. 20.

Bayern could have to rely on Leon Goretzka, who has been a fringe player this season, because coach Vincent Kompany's or preferred defensive midfielder, Aleksandar Pavlovic, has yet to return following surgery on a broken collarbone last month. Pavlovic has managed “some elements” of training with rest of team, Bayern said on Monday.