Bayern Munich's Brazilian defender Breno, currently on loan at Nuremburg, has been ruled out for the season after being on the end of a horror tackle at the weekend, the Bundesliga leaders confirmed on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old limped off in the 33rd minute of Nuremburg's 3-2 defeat of title challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday after Stefan Reinartz's wild challenge.

Breno ruptured ligaments in his right knee and will travel to the United States for an operation with renowned US surgeon Dr Richard Steadman, his club Bayern Munich said.

Steadman's previous patients include Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves.

The Brazilian centre-back, who signed with Bayern for 12 million euros at the start of 2008, joined their Bavarian rivals on loan in January on a six-month deal.

Reinartz has written to Breno to offer his apologies.