Borussia Dortmund's Kevin Grosskreutz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
Dortmund have announced on their official website that Grosskreutz, who can operate in both full-back positions as well as midfield, will be sidelined for four weeks and will miss the remainder of the campaign.
The Germany international has endured a difficult season since returning from the World Cup, making only 17 Bundesliga appearances and 23 in all competitions, and has not featured for the first-team since February as a result of his knee problems.
There has been some uncertainty as to whether the 26-year-old will remain at Dortmund as his current contract is due to expire in 2016.
On Saturday, ahead of the 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, banners on Dortmund's Sudtribune urged the club to hand the player an extension.
Grosskreutz posted on his Instagram account on Thursday: "We'll see about my new contract, but I am confident that I will play at Borussia for a few more years.
"I will always be proud to wear the black-and-yellow jersey, and I will be back on the attack again after my injury and I will own the haters and critics."