The 29-year-old was Werder Bremen's most reliable scorer in the past two years, netting ten league goals each season. On Friday, Jens Stage had to cut a training session short, and the shocking diagnosis followed later on Sunday.

"Jens has been our most important player over the last two years," said captain Marco Friedl on the injury at the DAZN microphone: "Of course, this is devastating news for us, a terrible blow for him. For us players and the entire club, it's extremely tough. But I'm confident that the management will act before Tuesday."

Coach Daniel Thioune was also visibly shocked by the Scandinavian's absence: "We wanted to start this season together. This really hits us hard. He is an absolute key player for us. We will miss him."

His team now has to "first of all, compensate for his goal threat and box-to-box runs. On a personal level, it's a huge loss. He is a leader in this team, someone who holds the dressing room together," said Thioune.

Match Center: Freiburg vs. Bremen

Fritz promises a new signing.

Managing director Clemens Fritz described it as a "huge shock" on DAZN. Stage is "a player who is extremely important for us, both in the dressing room and on the pitch."

He promised Werder fans a new signing by the deadline day on Tuesday: "We all know: there isn't much time left. Still, we're working on it, we want to reinforce the midfield, we're in talks – and I expect that we'll get something done before the transfer window closes."