Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery has not played since 3 October

France are likely to be without midfield star Franck Ribery for their two World Cup play-off matches against the Republic of Ireland.

The Bayern Munich player is expected to be sidelined for four weeks as he recovers from a knee injury.

The tendon problem in Ribery's right knee flared up again in Bayern Munich's 3 October draw with Cologne.

His absence would be encouraging news for Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic side ahead of the 14 and 18 November games.

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal said he did not expect to have Ribery back in action for at least a month.

"I cannot confirm how long he will be out for. We have decided to treat him and that could take a month, but I do not want to be precise," he said.

France's L'Equipe newspaper claimed that the 26-year-old could be out until next March.

Alain Boghossian, assistant coach of the France team, has practically accepted that they will not have the player for the World Cup qualifying play-off against the Republic.

"For me, Franck is practically out of the play-off," he said.

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