BERLIN, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boatang successfully underwent a surgery, the German giants confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday.

Doctor Andreas Imhoff has operated Boateng on his right chest muscle on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old defender complained about pain in his chest since last week and was unable to take part in the encounter against last-placed Darmstadt on Sunday.

According to the club's doctor Volker Braun, Boateng will be sidelined for six weeks. "The operation went very well. In case of optimal healing process, Jerome Boateng will be available in about six weeks."

The German international may return to the pitch on February 4, when Bayern Munich play Schalke in the 19th round of Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich sit currently on the first place of the Bundesliga standings. The front-runners will meet runners-up Leipzig for the top clash on Wednesday.