Petrić in doubt for Hamburg semi-final

Striker Mladen Petrić could miss both legs of Hamburger SV's UEFA Cup semi-final against Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen after suffering a sizeable gash to his shin when the sides met in the last four of the German Cup last night.

Two to three weeks
The 28-year-old came off second best as he attempted to tackle Bremen defender Naldo midway through the second half at the Arena Hamburg, sustaining a deep cut to his left shin. As his team-mates went on to lose the semi-final 3-1 on penalties, Petrić travelled to hospital where he received eight stitches. The initial prognosis is that the Croatian international will be out for two to three weeks – in effect, ruling him out of the trip to Bremen next Thursday, 30 April, and leaving him highly doubtful for the return seven days later. With third-placed HSV also in the title race, Petrić could sit out as many as three Bundesliga matches, including what will be his side's fourth meeting with Werder in 19 days on 10 May.