Volkswacht Bodensee - Frankfurt's Goetze sidelined with leg injury

The defeat meant Frankfurt were eliminated from the Europa League 2-1 on aggregate, ending their dream of repeating their 2022 triumph in the competition.

Goetze started but was subbed off with just 17 minutes played on Thursday, appearing to grab his hamstring as he limped from the field.

Toppmoeller said the veteran could be out for the remainder of the season, depending on the results of a scan on Friday.

"It's more than just a sprain," Toppmoeller told reporters, adding: "We hope that we'll see him again this season.

"We'll do a scan tomorrow and then we'll see how the injury looks and how long he'll be out."

Goetze, who came off the bench to score the winner for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina, has been crucial for a young Frankfurt side this season.

The 32-year-old scored twice in Frankfurt's 4-1 win over Ajax in the Europa league quarter-finals.

Frankfurt currently sit third in the Bundesliga and are on track for their best league finish since the mid-1990s.

L.Stucki--VB