Hannover playmaker Hiroshi Kiyotake has been ruled out for the rest of 2015, his club have announced.
Kiyotake suffered a hairline fracture in his foot while with the Japanese national team but will not undergo surgery.
The 26-year-old picked up the injury in the final training session ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Cambodia and will remain in Japan for treatment.
With only five matches left to be played before the Bundesliga winter break, the injury has put an end to Kiyotake's footballing year.
Hannover boss Michael Frontzeck said on the club's official website: "The injury's very bitter, for Kiyo and also for us as a team. We will have to cope with his absence. Kiyo was in great form recently, and is a key player for Hannover 96."
Kiyotake returned to the Hannover team on matchday four after a 13-week injury layoff, and had since started every match.
In nine league appearances for Hannover, the playmaker has scored three goals and set up a further four.
Hannover are currently 15th in the Bundesliga, and have so far picked up 11 points, one point ahead of Stuttgart in the relegation playoff spot.
At the weekend, Hannover travel to in-form Borussia Monchengladbach.