Bayern Munich have been dealt a blow with the news that influential skipper Stefan Effenberg will not be fit to play for a least four more weeks.

Effenberg, 31, has been out of action since having his right leg put in plaster in August and then suffered problems with his right foot.

"The inflammation of the right foot has gone away but it will take another four weeks before I'm really fit again," Effenberg told the Bild newspaper.

The midfielder has played only one competitive match this season, his side's opening day defeat to newly-promoted Borussia Monchengladbach.

But he has pencilled in 17 November as his comeback match, when Bayern are due to meet Werder Bremen.

Meanwhile, Effenberg has warned Bayern to do everything possible to keep their top-scoring Brazilian forward Giovane Elber happy.

"Bayern must be careful that he doesn't leave the club," he said.

"He's a Brazilian so he needs his share of attention."