Frings resigned to more time off

Torsten Frings is poised for more time on the sidelines after tests showed the Werder Bremen captain has sustained another injury to his left knee.

Painful reminder
The German international midfielder suffered a knee injury in a pre-season game in July which kept him out until October, yet he seemed to be regaining full fitness until he felt pain in the joint during Saturday's 1-1 draw at FC Schalke 04. "I had pain during the match against Schalke, but had not had any problems before," the 30-year-old said.

Unknown period
Bremen doctor Götz Dimanski has ordered Frings to rest after conducting examinations but is still to decide how long the player will be absent from the squad. "Tests have revealed that I have been carrying a knee injury without knowing it," said Frings. "It's really unlucky and a very bitter blow for me, because I had been getting back on track."

Third place
Frings has made three Bundesliga appearances and two more in the UEFA Champions League this season. Bremen are third both in Germany's top flight and in Group C of their European competition following their 2-1 Matchday 3 win over S.S. Lazio. They meet the Italian club again on 6 November in Rome.