Diego signed off for Braga trip

Werder Bremen will be without Diego as they defend a 3-0 lead in the away leg of their Round of 32 tie against SC Braga, with the playmaker still nursing an injury.

Painful condition
The 22-year-old Brazilian had hoped to be back in contention for the UEFA Cup tie but is still suffering from an infection of the pubic bone which has seen him sidelined since January. "The more strain I put on it, the more problems I have," Diego said. The influential midfielder will be rested for the trip to Portugal but is optimistic about his prospects of playing against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Saturday. He has scored ten goals in 20 league games this season. Fellow midfielder Aaron Hunt, 21, has also been ruled out for Thursday's game with a groin problem, however coach Thomas Schaaf is not too concerned, saying: "I have several ideas about how to replace Diego. I have almost the whole squad available at the moment."