Hannover 96 midfielder Leon Andreasen has been ruled out for "several months" after MRI scans confirmed that he had torn cruciate ligaments in his right knee during Wednesday's 4-1 Bundesliga win against 1. FC Nürnberg.

The Danish international, 29, has been hampered by a groin injury in recent years and has now received another setback, with his coach Mirko Slomka saying: "This diagnosis is really bad for Leon, who has had long-term injury problems. I wish him all the best. It is also a blow for us as a team, because now we have to replace a really strong player."

Andreasen added: "I guessed yesterday evening that there was a real problem. The pain was very bad. The diagnosis this morning was no surprise. In the coming days, we have to make a plan as to what happens next, as I need an operation. Of course, that is really tough, but I am convinced that I can come back a second time."

Hannover kicked off their UEFA Europa League Group L campaign with a 2-2 draw at FC Twente. They host Levante UD on matchday two.