Frings injury shocker

The 30-year-old Germany midfielder had only just signed a new contract at Bremen after flirting with Juventus for the best part of last season but he will be out of the equation for at least six months after an MRI scan confirmed a ruptured right cruciate ligament.

"We are deeply shocked," head coach Thomas Schaaf told the club website.

"Torsten is one of our most important players. He's irreplaceable."

Frings said he was determined to return as soon as possible although he is unlikely to feature in any of Germany's remaining Euro 2008 qualifiers.