Bayern Munich's defender Jerome Boateng sidelined due to groin injury

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng will be sidelined with a groin injury, the German football giants have confirmed.

Boateng faces a lengthy spell at the sideline as the German international sustained a groin injury during the 2-1 victory over Hamburg, an MRI scan revealed on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

As a consequence, Bayern will have to do it "without Jerome Boateng for the time being," the club in an official statement on Sunday.

Boateng's injury is a setback for coach Josep Guardiola who lost the best Bundesliga defender with a league-high 72 percent of successful tackles.

Boateng, who just penned a contract extension until June 2021, made overall 27 appearances this season so far.

Bayern Munich lead the Bundesliga standings with 49 points, followed by Borussia Dortmund with an eight-point deficit.

They host relegation-threatened Hoffenheim at the 19th round of Bundesliga on January 31.