However, the news of the blow will surely be seen as a blessing by Rafa Benitez as he struggles with a series of injuries and suspensions affecting the Reds for the match on Tuesday.
A spokesman for Leverkusen said: "We cannot give a diagnosis to 100 per cent accuracy but there is a risk that the rear ligaments are torn."
Ex-Leeds defender, Roque Junior, is likely to step into the void left by Nowotny.