Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger could miss the remainder of the season having been ruled out of Germany's forthcoming friendly matches with a knee ligament injury.

The German Football Association has since confirmed he has suffered a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament, immediately ruling him out of the upcoming matches and, with the midfielder now heading back to Old Trafford to continue his treatment, the injury is likely to keep him sidelined for much longer.

"World Champion Bastian Schweinsteiger has been ruled out of the friendlies against England on Saturday in Berlin (20:45 CET) and Italy on Tuesday in Munich (20:45 CET)," a statement on dfb.de read.

"The 31-year-old captain suffered a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee following a challenge at the end of training on Tuesday afternoon.

"The diagnosis was confirmed following an MRI scan at the practice of team doctor Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt in Munich earlier today.

"Treatment will be carried out by the medical team at his club Manchester United, in coordination with the Germany national team's doctors."