Socceroo Kruse sidelined for four months

Luckless Socceroo Robbie Kruse could miss the rest of the Bundesliga season with Bayer Leverkusen due to the ankle injury he suffered in Australia's Asian Cup final win over South Korea.

In a cruel blow for Kruse, who missed most of last season including the World Cup after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, he faces around four months on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage.

It was feared the 26-year-old had injured his Achilles in the second half of Australia's 2-1 victory over South Korea on Saturday, which saw them crowned the kings of Asian soccer.

Typically, Achilles injuries take 12 months of recovery.

But in a press conference on Tuesday, Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt said the layoff was likely to be around four months.

"This is really bitter for him, especially as he showed good form again," Schmidt said.

The German season ends on May 23.