DFB goalscorer threatened with exit from Nations League semi-final

Leipzig coach Jonas Stephan expects German international striker Giovanna Hoffmann to be forced to take a longer break. The 27-year-old could therefore also miss the Nations League semi-final against France on October 24 and 28. National coach Christian Wück will announce the squad for the Final Four on Tuesday.

"If a player leaves the pitch in tears, then unfortunately you have to assume that she won't be back in three days. But I don't know yet. Giovanna is a figurehead of our team, so I don't have to explain to anyone that that would be a fatal loss for us," said Stephan after RB's 2-1 Bundesliga win over SGS Essen.

What had happened?

The goalscorer Hoffmann, who had put the Saxons ahead, fell to the ground in the second half after a tackle and held her knee. After a short break for treatment, she left the pitch in tears.