Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can will miss the remainder of the Bundesliga season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's 3-2 home loss to Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker. The Bundesliga club confirmed Sunday that Can will be sidelined for 'several months' following the injury.

Can attempted to play through the injury but was forced off before halftime, receiving an ovation from home fans when he finally left the pitch. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl called the injury 'extremely bitter,' noting Can's importance as captain and team leader. The former Liverpool and Juventus midfielder has made 48 appearances for Germany's national team.

The injury compounds Dortmund's challenges as they trail Bayern by 11 points in the league standings. Can's absence also eliminates his chances of representing Germany at the World Cup this summer, ending his outside shot at international duty.