In-form Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez has been ruled out for two weeks with a thigh injury.

The Germany international will miss his side's next two Bundesliga games after tearing muscle fibres in his left thigh in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Hannover.

"An injury is always frustrating and I was particularly disappointed when it happened," he told the club's official website.

"Nothing can be done about it now, though, and I will do all I can to be fit to play again as soon as possible."

The 22-year-old has been in top form since the turn of the year, helping the defending champions launch a late bid for Champions League qualification after a poor start to the season.

Gomez has scored eight times since the winter break and trails Bundesliga top goalscorer Luca Toni by just one goal.

He also bagged a brace in Germany's recent 4-0 international friendly win over Switzerland.

"This is obviously very bitter for us, particularly because Mario was in such a good condition of late," added Stuttgart sporting director Horst Heldt.

"But we are convinced that the team will be able to cope with the loss. We managed it last season while Mario was unavailable due to injury."

Gomez will miss Stuttgart's games at home to Hamburg and at Bayer Leverkusen.

SportingLife / Eurosport