Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Sidney Sam will miss eight weeks after incurring a muscular problem in their 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Stuttgart.
Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt revealed the extent of the injury after Saturday's league stalemate, with Sam only having returned to action from another muscular complaint.
The former Hamburg starlet was brought on in the 72nd minute, but was forced to leave the pitch again only 12 minutes later after sustaining the injury.
The attacking midfielder underwent further examination immediately after the match, and a scan has revealed a thigh injury which will keep him sidelined for up to two months.
"It's obviously a difficult situation for us at the moment, as almost every week we have new injuries to complain about. Sidney Sam will definitely be unavailable for the next two months," Dutt told reporters.
Sam will consequently miss the Champions League round-of-16 tie against Barcelona, with the first leg taking place on February 14, and the return at Camp Nou on March 7.