Bayern Munich: Mario Gotze ruled out for 10-12 weeks with ruptured muscle tendon

Bayern Munich have suffered a massive blow after Mario Gotze suffered an injury during Germany's Euro 2016 qualifier loss at the hands of the Republic of Ireland on Thursday (8 October). The midfielder was replaced by Andre Schurrle after 35 minutes due to a ruptured muscle tendon, and is expected to be out of action for at least 10-12 weeks.

"FC Bayern have suffered a severe injury setback on the news that Mario Götze will be out of action for 10 to 12 weeks," a statement on the Bavarian giants' official site read.

"The 23-year-old was diagnosed on Friday with a ruptured muscle tendon in the groin, sustained while playing for Germany in the world champions' 1-0 defeat away to Ireland the previous evening," the statement added.

Gotze has been a key player for Pep Guardiola this season, playing in 11 of the 12 games thus far, while scoring four goals and providing two assists. This will be a big blow for the club, and the midfielder is certain to miss their Champions League double header against Arsenal and according to BBC Sport, this injury will see him miss the entire first-half of the 2015/16 campaign.

Germany are yet to book their place for the 2016 European championships in France and need at least a point from their final qualifying game against Georgia on Sunday (11 October), following their shock defeat to the Republic of Ireland. Joachim Loew criticised the Green Army for their long ball tactics and admitted that it was an expected tactic from Martin O'Neill's team.

"It was to be expected that Ireland would be defending with nine, sometimes even 10 men, get behind the ball and try long, hopeful balls," Low said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"We avoided 99 of those long balls and kept possession, but the 100th long ball was one too many. But it's still in our own hands. Qualification is there for us to seal with a win against Georgia," the Germany manager added.