Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has been ruled out for four weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in the 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim.

The 27-year-old France international suffered the injury in creating Bayern's equaliser and will now miss their Champions League games against Basle and FC Cluj as well as Bundesliga appointments against Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Hannover.

He could return in time for the meeting with Hamburg on October 22.

While the news is a blow for last season's Champions League finalists, manager Louis Van Gaal told the club's website: "I feared it was worse than this, so I'm a little relieved.

"I hope he recovers well and rejoins the team as soon as possible."

Ribery made only 19 league appearances for Bayern last term and underwent a double hernia operation following France's World Cup exit.

He will wear a protective boot for the next 10 days before stepping up his rehabilitation.

Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger said: "Our first reaction was that it was really bad, but he won't require surgery, so there's a silver lining to the cloud.

"I think he might be in a position to resume the team training programme in about three weeks.

"Obviously, Franck is a very important player for us but the most difficult aspect is how he'll cope with the situation."