Jean Asselborn, the LSAP foreign affairs minister, is on medical leave after sustaining an injury to his back.

“Minister Asselborn has been hospitalised in an intensive care unit,” the foreign ministry said in a brief press statement issued on Wednesday evening.

“For health reasons,” the ministry said, Asselborn had cancelled all of his appointments in Luxembourg and abroad “until 16 June”.

“In principle, he should be able to resume his activities after this date,” a ministry spokesman told Le Quotidien newspaper. The spokesman said that Asselborn was alert and speaking with staff by telephone. He added that Asselborn had not fallen off his bike.

RTL said Asselborn had suffered a large hematoma on his back and had difficulty moving.

Asselborn, aged 70, has been foreign minister since 2004.