Morocco international Ismael Saibari has undergone successful surgery after suffering a torn ligament in his right ankle during Bayern Munich’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, October 31.
The German club confirmed the diagnosis on Sunday, November 1, stating that the 25-year-old midfielder will be unavailable for the immediate future.
Bayern have not announced an expected return date, leaving Saibari’s recovery timetable uncertain ahead of Morocco’s November international fixtures.
Saibari injured against Borussia Dortmund
Saibari sustained the injury during the first half of Saturday’s match at the Allianz Arena.
The Moroccan collided with Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel while challenging for the ball and required medical attention.
He was unable to continue and was replaced by Nathaniel Brown in the 29th minute.
Bayern went on to draw 2-2, with Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano scoring for the home side. Serhou Guirassy and Fábio Silva replied for Dortmund.
The match also brought another injury concern for Bayern, with Serge Gnabry leaving the pitch in the 31st minute.
Bayern confirm successful ankle operation
In a medical statement published on November 1, Bayern confirmed that Saibari had torn the syndesmotic ligament in his right ankle.
The ligament connects the tibia and fibula above the ankle joint and helps maintain stability during movement.
The club announced that Saibari had already undergone successful surgery.
Bayern also confirmed that Gnabry sustained a muscular injury in the back of his left thigh.
No specific return date was given for either player.
Saibari’s absence comes during a demanding period for Bayern, who face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3.
The midfielder joined the German club from PSV Eindhoven in 2026 and has become part of Bayern’s attacking midfield options.
His development at club level, including his earlier scoring contributions, is covered in the Ismael Saibari player profile and Atlas Lions Insider’s report on his goal against Augsburg.
Morocco face another midfield injury concern
Saibari’s injury comes shortly before Morocco’s next 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Niger on November 13 in Casablanca and November 17 in Rabat.
The operation casts serious doubt on Saibari’s availability for both fixtures, although Morocco’s coaching staff have not yet confirmed his international status.
National-team coach Mohamed Ouahbi is already dealing with the absence of Azzedine Ounahi.
The Panathinaikos midfielder underwent surgery for a torn hamstring tendon on October 29 and is expected to be sidelined for four to five months.
The injuries affect two players who offer different qualities in Morocco’s midfield, with Saibari providing an attacking presence and Ounahi operating primarily in central areas.
Ouahbi is due to announce his November squad on November 4.
Bayern have not set a return date
Saibari’s immediate focus will be recovering from the ankle operation.
Bayern have confirmed that surgery was successful but have not provided a timeline for his return to training or competitive matches.
Further medical updates will be needed to establish how long the Morocco international will remain unavailable.
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