Bayern Munich's Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara has re-injured his problematic right knee, which has previously kept him out for more than a year, but hopes to only miss "a few weeks".

Thiago injured his right knee in Spain's 2-0 win over England last Friday and a MRI scan has revealed swelling on the medial ligament, but the player does not expect to be out for long.

"Fortunately I will be out for just a few weeks," he wrote on his Twitter account, but his injury will be appraised by Bayern's medical staff on Tuesday when he returns to Munich.

The 24-year-old has injured the medial ligament in his right knee three times in his career and was out from February 2014 until April this year.

German league leaders Bayern have eight games left before the winter break starts in December and face Schalke away on Saturday in the Bundesliga before hosting Olympiakos in the Champions League next Tuesday.

Thiago has made 19 appearances for both club and country so far this season.