Stuttgart captain Christian Gentner is expected to make a full recovery after breaking his lower and lateral eye socket, nose and upper jaw in the side's Bundesliga win over Wolfsburg on Saturday.
Stuttgart said the 32-year-old Gentner will undergo surgery in the coming days.
Gentner was struck in the head by Koen Casteels' knee as the Wolfsburg goalkeeper came out to clear a high ball late in the game. Play was suspended as the unconscious Gentner received attention on the pitch before he was taken off on a stretcher.
Stuttgart sporting director Michael Reschke said on the club's website: "It's a cruel blow for Gente, his family and for us. The most important news though is that he will make a full recovery.
The whole team wishes captain Christian #Gentner a speedy recovery! #comebacksoon #VfB pic.twitter.com/KKRbtVPi5p
— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) September 17, 2017
"We will give Christian all the time he needs to get fully fit again. Finally, we are delighted that we will have our captain back on board again. Christian is enormously important for us both on, as well as off, the pitch.
"In the four Bundesliga games we've played thus far, he has impressively proven his exceptional qualities."
The club said: "VfB wish our captain and his family all the very best and all the strength they need over the coming days and weeks. We hope you make a speedy recovery and are back amongst your team mates again soon."
