Bayern's Ribery out for several weeks, but no surgery needed

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery will be out of action for several weeks after tearing an ankle ligament but the damage is far less than initially feared, the Bundesliga champions said on Wednesday.

French international Ribery was helped off the pitch in the 64th minute of their 2-1 league win at Hoffenheim on Tuesday after twisting his ankle just before Bayern's equaliser.

"He will not require surgery. That is good luck in his bad luck," said Bayern sports director Christian Nerlinger.