Berlin, Nov 4 (IANS): Stuttgart suffered a blow as they lost Martin Harnik to a knee injury, the German Bundesliga team said.

The Austria international sustained the injury during the 2-0 victory over Darmstadt on Saturday, the team confirmed on the club's official homepage on Tuesday, reported Xinhua news agency.

Harnik collided with Darmstadt goalkeeper Christian Mathenia in the first half. After receiving treatment on the pitch Harnik was replaced by Alexandru Maxim at the half-hour mark.

On Monday a MRI scan revealed that the 28-year-old striker suffered a partial tear of the later ligament in his right knee.

The right knee is now immobilized with a special splint but according to Stuttgart's homepage, an operation is not out of question. The club wants to decide further actions in the coming days.

Stuttgart, currently on the 15th place, encounter front-runners Bayern Munich at the 12th round of Bundesliga on Saturday.