Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender faces lengthy injury lay off

Bayer Leverkusen have been dealt an injury blow after midfielder Lars Bender picked up a muscle injury in the aftermath of their 3-2 Bundesliga loss away to Wolfsburg last weekend.

The Germany international sustained the knock in the closing stages of the game, and underwent further examination on Monday to determine the extent of the problem.

Bender diagnosed with a torn thigh muscle following a visit to sports doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt in Munich.

It's not yet known exactly how long Bender will be out of action, but Leverkusen has confirmed on its official website that the midfielder will be unavailable for "several weeks".

Robin Dutt's side is currently fifth in the Bundesliga standings with 40 points from 25 games, seven points adrift of the final Champions League qualifying spot occupied by Schalke.