Bayer's official site stated that the Turkish midfielder had surgery in his right knee to repair a damaged meniscus, and will be out until the team resumes training after the winter break in January 2008.

The 25-year-old will miss the next two Bundesliga games against Duisburg and Hertha Berlin, in addition to the UEFA Cup clash with Greece's Aris Salonika on December 19th.

Altintop is the only Bayern player to have played in all 22 competitive games so far this season, and his injury will be a blow to Ottmar Hitzfeld's team.