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Franck Ribery's doctor is worried the Bayern Munich winger may have to undergo surgery on a persistent knee injury that has all-but ruled him out of France's World Cup play-off double header against the Republic of Ireland.

Ribery consulted Professor Jean-Henri Jaeger in Strasbourg and the specialist said he should miss at least two months - twice as long as Bayern coach Louis van Gaal predicted and ending his hopes of taking part in Les Bleus' November 14 and 18 play-off matches.

Jaeger said an operation on the tendon in his right knee could be carried out if treatment failed.

"It's one month's treatment, plus one month's rehabilitation," Jaeger was quoted as saying by AFP. "So that means two month's minimum before Ribery returns to the game.

"If this works, he will be able to play again. If it does not work, it will require surgery."

France assistant coach Alain Boghossian admitted he was resigned to losing Ribery for the World Cup qualifiers.

"Bayern want him to have an operation. They are mulling it over, but for me, Franck is all-but out for the play-offs," Boghossian said.

Van Gaal admitted Bayern missed the former Marseille midfielder during the 2-1 Champions League defeat at Bordeaux.

"Without Ribery we have lost our creativity," the Dutchman said.

In addition to the play-off matches, Ribery would miss Bayern's forthcoming Bundesliga games at Stuttgart, and at home to Schalke and Leverkusen.

The injury hindered Ribery's pre-season and flared up again on October 3 in the 0-0 draw with Cologne and the Frenchman has not played since.

Reda Maher / AFP