Bayern Munich have confirmed that long-term absentee Holger Badstuber had surgery on his troublesome knee for the fourth time earlier this week.

Badstuber originally tore his anterior cruciate knee ligament at the back end of 2012 against Borussia Dortmund, before rupturing the same ligament in May.

The 24-year-old travelled to Colorado for corrective surgery on Monday, with a replacement ligament inserted into his knee.

Bayern have revealed that Badstuber will return to Germany today after spending two days recovering in the USA, with work on a rehabilitation programme to begin immediately.

During the first half of last season Badstuber was a regular feature for the treble winners, forming a strong partnership in central defence alongside Dante.

Pep Guardiola's side have not put a timeline on a return to first-team action for the German international, who has played 30 times for his country.