DEISLER INJURY BLOW FOR GERMANS

The 21-year-old playmaker picked up the injury in a 50-50 challenge with Ingo Hertzsch as Hertha crashed to a 4-0 defeat to Hamburg at the AOL Arena.

"I twisted my knee in a normal challenge with Ingo Hertzsch and felt the pain immediately," stated Deisler.

"The kneecap popped out and then went back in again."

The midfield ace played out the full 90 minutes but the full extent of the problem was revealed the day after (Sunday) with Deisler now a doubt for the crunch play-off games with Ukraine on November 10 and 14.

"That is a real blow to us," added dejected German coach Rudi Voller.

"But I still have a glimmer of hope that it is not as bad as it seems."

Meanwhile, Deisler refused to comment on media reports claiming he has already struck a deal to join Bayern Munich, declaring: "I will make my decision known in the winter break."