Munich, April 1 (IANS): Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his left knee while on international duty with Austria.

The 22-year-old was replaced at half-time during Austria's 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday, and tests performed back in Munich confirmed the worst fears.

Alaba will need a seven-week break before being able to return to full training, effectively ruling him out until the very last weeks of the Bundesliga season. He may be able to return should Bayern reach the finals of the of Champions League.

"Of course, I'm deeply sad," Alaba told Bayern's official website on Wednesday.

"But I have a big goal in my eyes and I want to be back for the end of the season. I'm going to get a good rest now and then give it my all in rehabilitation."

Alaba missed the end of the first half of the season due to a similar injury in his right knee last November.

He will only be able to start light training in four weeks' time.

Alaba made his 100th appearance for Bayern in their 0-2 defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach on March 22. He has featured 28 times for Bayern this season.