Hoffenheim's Bundesliga leading striker Vedad Ibisevic was forced out of the rest of the season because of a knee injury.

The 24-year-old Bosnian international, who scored 18 goals the season in top flight league, will be sidelined for six months, Hoffenheim said on its website.

Ibisevic suffered cruciate ligament damage in his right knee in a friendly match with Hamburg and will undergo surgery in the next few days.

Hoffenheim, who were promoted to the first division, share top spot with Bayern Munich on 35 points and will now look into signing a replacement in the transfer window before the championship resumes after the winter break.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2009)