The 34-year-old tore a muscle in his left calf in the 0-0 draw in the Bundesliga and it places further question marks against his future at the Imtech Arena given his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Van Nistelrooy told the club's website: "It happened in the closing stages. After the game, the pain got worse.

"The diagnosis is bad. I hope I can play again as soon as possible but I am sure it will turn out to be some time."