Darmstadt 98 will have to make do without two key players for the time being in the race for promotion in the 2nd Bundesliga.

Centre-back Jannik Müller suffered a muscle fibre tear in his thigh and midfielder Tobias Kempe suffered a partial tear of his inner ligament. This was announced by the league leaders on Monday.

Both players had to be substituted during the half-time break of the match against Hansa Rostock (1:0) on Saturday. Kempe has played in all 21 second division games this season for Torsten Lieberknecht’s team and will miss several weeks. The club did not provide any information on the length of time Müller, who has played 20 competitive games this season, will be out of action.

Darmstadt have not lost in 20 games in the second division and are four points clear at the top of the table. Next Saturday (8.30 p.m./Sky and Sport1), first-placed Hamburger SV will be visiting the Stadion am Böllenfalltor for the top match.