Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a third serious knee ligament tear in training.
Thiago, 23, missed the Bundesliga champions' title run-in last season after sustaining serious knee ligament damage during Bayern's clash with Hoffenheim back in March, and then suffered a recurrence of the injury when making his comeback shortly before Spain's World Cup squad was selected.
The former Barcelona midfielder, who followed Pep Guardiola to the Allianz Arena, only returned to first-team training last Thursday and was seeking to rebuild his fitness ahead of a comeback after the international break.
However, Bayern announced on Wednesday that the Spain midfielder had suffered a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and he will now require an operation.
The club are yet to comment on when Thiago is expected to make a comeback though it is feared he will be in the treatment room for some time.
Speaking on his injury, Thiago told the club's website: "What shall I say? I am deeply disappointed and desperate at the moment. Why always me? But I will not give up. I will fight. I will return. And will comeback for FC Bayern."
Devastating: @Thiago6 (23) has suffered a ligament tear in training. He needs an operation and is set for another lengthy absence.
- FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) October 15, 2014
Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer says that the club are devastated by Thiago's latest setback but insists that Bayern will support the midfielder throughout his recovery period.
"We are all shocked and saddened by his new injury. Thiago was so close to his comeback after all this time," he said.
"But he knows Bayern are there for him. We will do everything so that he will get healthy again, and can win a lot of titles with us."
There was some positive news for Bayern however as Franck Ribery has returned to full training after four weeks out with a knee injury, while Rafinha is also expected to be in contention for the weekend clash with Werder Bremen.