Stuttgart, Nov 4 (IANS): Stuttgart suffered an injury blow as they lost Martin Harnik to a knee injury, the German Bundesliga team confirmed via the club's official homepage.

The Austria international sustained the injury during the 2-0 victory over Darmstadt on Saturday. 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, reports Xinhua.

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

The right knee is now immobilized with a special splint but according to the Stuttgart statement, issued on Tuesday, an operation has not been ruled out. The club wants to decide further action in the coming days.

However, Harnik will be sidelined for the time being and will be unable to help his team in the relegation battle.

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