Torsten Frings is facing a "significant" spell on the sidelines after tearing muscle fibres in Werder Bremen's 2-2 draw against Nurnberg.

The 32-year-old had to be replaced in that game and tests confirmed the extent of the damage, which certainly rules him out of this weekend's clash with Borussia Dortmund.

It also ends any hope Frings had of earning a recall to the Germany squad this week for their upcoming friendlies against Chile and the Ivory Coast.

"He is going to be out for a significant time, but we will do all we can to make the break as short as possible," said Werder coach Thomas Schaaf, who is hoping Frings can recover during the international break.

"He has given everything he has got so far and played a very good season."

Frings has played in all of Bremen's Bundesliga matches so far this campaign.