Van Gaal: No surgery for Ribery

BAYERN MUNICH forward Franck Ribery will not need an operation to cure a recurring knee problem, the club’s coach Louis van Gaal confirmed yesterday.

It had been feared earlier this week that the France international may have to go under the knife, causing an absence of up to four months.

But instead, more conservative methods will be employed in a bid to get the 26-year-old back on the field before Christmas.

“Ribery will not have an operation,” said Van Gaal. “That is a good decision. I hope it (the recovery) goes quicker than many think.”

Nevertheless, Ribery has been ruled out of Bayern’s intense programme of matches in November as well as France’s World Cup qualifying play-off double header against Republic of Ireland on November 14 and 18.