Berlin, Aug 23 (IANS): Werder Bremen's Max Kruse faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury, the Bundesliga football club confirmed in a statement.

The "Green-Whites" did not only crash out of the German Cup following a surprising 2-1 loss to lower league side Lotte on Sunday, but also lost summer signing Max Kruse, who damaged his cruciate ligaments in his left knee, reports Xinhua.

The 28-year-old striker, who made only his second appearance for Bremen, will undergo further examinations in Munich on Tuesday. However, the new arrival from Wolfsburg will be definitely ruled out "for the time being".

"It is very bitter that we have to do it without a key player for a longer period," Bremen coach Viktor Skripnik said. "We hope that Max recovers as soon as possible. We will support him in the best possible way."

The "Werderaner" lost their second striker, as veteran Claudio Pizarro is still questionable for the season opener against German giants Bayern Munich on Friday.