Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer is set to miss the Champions League playoffs after suffering a twisted ankle.
Gladbach may have to rely on 28-year-old backup keeper Tobias Sippel, who has made only 38 appearances in the German top flight, in the two-legged clash as a result.
Switzerland international Sommer has injured his ankle ligament and, while the club have yet to confirm his expected return date, he will not be available in time for the start of the Bundesliga season on Aug. 27, according to widespread reports.
Liebe Grüsse vom Reha-Team✌��️Ich danke Euch, für die Zahlreichen Genesungswünsche! #ys1 pic.twitter.com/27rWh5O75W
- Yann Sommer (@YannSommer1) August 1, 2016
The Champions League playoff first legs will take place on Aug. 16/17 and the second legs are scheduled for Aug. 23/24, which would appear to rule Sommer out of contention.
The draw for the playoff round, which sees the winners make the Champions League group stage and the losers drop into the Europa League, will take place on Friday.
Sommer joined Gladbach in 2014 and had a hugely impressive debut season but struggled to match those standards in the 2015-16 campaign.
"It wasn't a disastrous season, but also not my best season," Sommer said in kicker last month.