Easyodds.com tipster Simon Hopper thinks Barcelona should be taken on in the Champions League outright market – see all of his football tips and predictions here.

Bayern Munich says France winger Franck Ribery will be out of action for several weeks with an ankle injury.

But Bayern said Wednesday that Ribery’s injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared and he won’t need an operation.

“At first we expected the worst,” sporting director Christian Nerlinger told Bayern’s official website.

After an MRI with Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt on Wednesday morning, results showed that Ribery has suffered a tear of the anterior capsule and an outer ligament injury in the right ankle.

“He does not need surgery. This is a blessing in disguise,” said Nerlinger. “I think he might return in three weeks to begin training with the team.”

Ribery limped off the field during Bayern’s 2-1 win at Hoffenheim on Tuesday evening.

Bayern says Ribery will have to wear a cast for the next 10 days but may be able to resume training with the team in three weeks. He could be available to play at the end of October.

Easyodds.com tipster Simon Hopper thinks Barcelona should be taken on in the Champions League outright market – see all of his football tips and predictions here.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the last news and articles from World Soccer. Subscribe to World Soccer today and take advantage of our all 50th anniversary offer, saving up to 50%!