SV Werder Bremen are likely to be without Naldo for both legs of their UEFA Champions League play-off against UC Sampdoria because of a knee injury.

The defender has been suffering from the recurring problem since last season despite playing in 31 of his club's 34 Bundesliga matches. "I can walk but I don't think I will return before September," said the 27-year-old, who may have to undergo surgery. Bremen, who sold playmaker Mesut Özil to Real Madrid CF today, play host to Sampdoria in the first leg on Wednesday, with the return taking place at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris six days later.