Netherlands and Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben may be out of action for the rest of the year over a hamstring injury, Munich sports director Christian Nerlinger was quoted as saying on Sunday, dpa reported.
"It is more than doubtful whether Arjen can be fielded in the first half of the season," Nerlinger told the Bild am Sonntag paper.
"The healing process is not satisfactory. It will take a while until Arjen is fit again."
Robben, 26, damaged his hamstring in a World Cup tune-up match, but made a fast recovery to help the Dutch reach the final at the tournament in South Africa.
A torn muscle was then diagnosed when Robben returned to Munich.
Robben and Munich initially believed he would be sidelined for around two months but new examinations revealed the presence of liquid in the muscle, forcing him to rest indefinitely.
Robben has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and will be badly missed by Munich, and the Dutch team in its first Euro 2012 qualifiers.
He came to Munich last year from Real Madrid and was named German Footballer of the Year after helping Munich to a league and cup double and a place in the Champions League final.