Bremen lose Lisztes for run-in

Serious injury
The Hungarian international was carried off in the 75th minute of the 0-0 draw at VfL Bochum 1848 on Sunday. Tests showed that the 27-year-old suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament injury to his left knee.

Tense finish
Lisztes has been ever-present for Bremen this season, scoring three goals in 30 appearances, but will now miss the last four games as his side look to preserve their six-point advantage over champions FC Bayern München. The Bundesliga's top two meet in a potentially decisive match at Bayern's Olimpiastadion on 8 May.

Player downbeat
"I heard this sound and knew immediately that something was wrong," Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf said, claiming that the player faces a possible six months on the sidelines. Speaking to Bremen's website, Lisztes said: "When the swelling is gone, we will have a further examination but I have no hopes of getting positive news."

Contract offer
Lisztes had looked set to leave Bremen in the summer after rejecting the offer of an extension to his contract, which expires this summer. However, his injury means he may well stay at the club after all. Lisztes has yet to find a new club and managing director Klaus Allofs said: "His injury is a serious blow for us, but for him it is even worse. He has done a lot for Werder Bremen and the board have decided that we will offer to extend his contract if he wants to."