Schalke defender Atsuto Uchida facing several weeks on the sidelines

Atsuto Uchida: Torn thigh muscle will keep him out of Champions League clash with Galatasaray

Schalke defender Atsuto Uchida will be out of action for the next couple of weeks due to a thigh injury.

The 24 year-old missed Schalke's 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich last Saturday after complaining about suffering soreness and subsequently underwent an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury.

Schalke have announced on their official website that the Japan international has a torn muscle and will miss their forthcoming fixtures, including next Wednesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 clash at Galatasaray.

The statement read: "Schalke 04 will be without Atsuto Uchida in the coming weeks.

"An MRI scan on Monday (11th February) revealed the Japan international has torn a muscle in his thigh.

"The right back was already sidelined for the Bundesliga game at Bayern Munich."

Uchida joined the Royal Blues from Kashima Antlers in 2010 and has since made 59 league appearances, scoring once