UEFA Cup - Mertesacker in final blow

Eurosport - Fri, 08 May 13:47:00 2009

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker will miss the UEFA Cup final after he pulled a ligament in his right leg during the semi-final win over Hamburg.

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 UEFA Cup Bremen Hamburg-Bremen Mertesacker - 0

Germany international Mertesacker is out for an estimated three weeks and will miss the clash against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in Istanbul on May 20.

He could also miss the German Cup final on May 30.

Bremen are already without suspended midfielder Diego and striker Hugo Almeida for the UEFA Cup final.

"We have to wait and see if Per can play again during this season," Werder coach Thomas Schaaf said.

"I hope he can."

Mertesacker was substiuted in the second half of the match, which Bremen won 3-2 to go through 3-3 on away goals.

Reuters

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account