Berlin: Germany international Nicolai Mueller faces half a year on the sidelines after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament as he celebrated scoring in Hamburg’s opening game of the season.
The 29-year-old was left red-faced after scoring the winner in the 1-0 home Bundesliga victory against Augsburg eight minutes into Saturday’s match.
After netting, Mueller twisted away, repeatedly twirling in his goal celebration and leapt at the corner flag before tumbling to the floor in obvious pain.
He tried to play on, but had to be replaced after 15 minutes.
“That is certainly a downer, I have never experienced anything like it before,” said Hamburg coach Markus Gisdol.
Hamburg’s worst fears were confirmed yesterday and the diagnosis means Mueller is out for at least six months.
Gisdol has not ruled out making a signing to cover Mueller’s injury.