Franck Ribery could return for the start of the Bundesliga season after undergoing successful surgery on torn ligaments above his ankle.The France international suffered the injury early in his nation's 2-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday - a result which eliminated Les Bleus from Euro 2008.

The Bayern Munich winger had the operation at the Bogenhausen clinic in Munich on Thursday.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the club's official website it had "gone perfectly".

Ribery will remain in the clinic for a few days, but it is hoped he could return for the start of the new season.

A statement the website read: "With an optimistic recovery time France's 'Footballer of the Year' could be operational again for the start of the season on August 15."

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