Double trouble for Dortmund

BV Borussia Dortmund have been hit by another setback after Torsten Frings became the second player this week to be diagnosed with a major knee injury.

Six months out
Germany midfield player Frings will be out of action for up to six months after complaining of problems following Wednesday night's League Cup victory against VfL Bochum 1848. Subsequent tests have revealed that he suffered a torn cruciate ligament, the same problem that saw team-mate Evanilson carried off the pitch during the match.

Club stunned
Like the Brazilian, the 26-year-old will miss both legs of Dortmund's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie and, almost certainly, the group stage if they progress. The club have been stunned by the news, with Dortmund's sport director Michael Zorc saying: "We are shocked."

Transfers possible
Dortmund may have to move to replace the pair in the transfer market, after having already signed Malte Metzelder and Niclas Jensen this summer. "We will wait and see whether we will react," added Zorc.