SV Werder Bremen will be deprived the services of Hugo Almeida for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League play-off decider at UC Sampdoria after the striker picked up a thigh injury on Saturday.

The Portuguese international forward suffered the complaint during Bremen's 4-1 loss at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, needing to be replaced 24 minutes into his side's first outing of the new Bundesliga season. "It's at least a strain and maybe even torn muscle fibre," said coach Thomas Schaaf. "There's no way he'll make it for Tuesday's match." Schaaf's charges will travel to Italy defending a 3-1 lead as they vie to seal a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage.