Berlin, Jan 30 (IANS): Front-runners Bayern Munich suffered a double injury blow as Franck Ribery and Rafinha were sidelined for the upcoming matches, the German football giants announced in a statement.

Both players sustained their injuries during a training session Wednesday. Frenchman Ribery tore muscle fibres in his right upper thigh while Brazilian international Rafinha injured the ligaments in his left ankle, the statement said Thursday, reports Xinhua.

The loss of both players is a setback for coach Pep Guardiola, who will definitely have to do it without Ribery and Rafinha against second placed Wolfsburg at the opener for the second half of the season.

The 31-year-old French midfielder will be out of action for the next three games against Wolfsburg, Schalke and Stuttgart. Meanwhile, the Brazilian defender is expected to return in two weeks.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern face second placed Wolfsburg for the curtain raiser of the second half of the season Friday night.

The 'Bavarians' sit atop the standings with 45 points followed by the 'Wolves' with 34 points.