Altin Lala is a big doubt after twisting a ligament in his left knee. Should he fail to make the start, Leon Andreasen could well move in to his defensive midfield slot. Sergio Pinto is available again following suspension, with Didier Ya Konan and Steven Cherundolo two further starting alternatives for coach Mirko Slomka. Jan Rosenthal (hip injury) and Hanno Balitsch (lacerated knee) join long-term absentees Vinicius, Mikael Forssell and Salvatore Zizzo on the unavailable list.
Franz back for Frankfurt
Frankfurt are in fair shape personnel-wise. Zlatan Bajramovic and Ioannis Amanatidis remain out of contention for the time being, but Martin Fenin could get a game up front for the first time since matchday 12, having made a brief appearance as a sub against Schalke last week. Defender Maik Franz is also ready to go again, his cut knee having healed up sufficiently.
Looking back on the 4-1 loss to Schalke, coach Michael Skibbe said he was "still disappointed that we were too passive in the first half, and I expect a response to that from the team at Hannover.
