Even though he was able to play until the end of Sunday's 2-2 away draw, the post-match diagnosis showed that Ze Roberto has torn ankle ligaments.

Ze Roberto, 35, has been in superb form since joining HSV from Bayern Munich in the summer, scoring five goals in 12 league games so far.

Hamburg, who finished fifth last season, are currently third of the Bundesliga table, three points adrift of Bayer Leverkusen.