Wolfsburg's survival hopes just took a hit. Attacking midfielder Patrick Wimmer has been ruled out of Saturday's do-or-die Bundesliga clash against St. Pauli, leaving the Wolves without one of their most creative sparks as they fight to avoid the drop.

Head coach Dieter Hecking confirmed the news on Thursday, but offered a glimmer of hope: the Austrian international is expected to recover in time for the relegation play-offs should Wolfsburg hold onto 16th place. Currently sitting just above the danger zone, the Wolves are locked in a tense three-way battle with Heidenheim and St. Pauli at the bottom of the table.

"He will not be able to play on Saturday," Hecking stated. "We hope he can make it back in time for a possible relegation play-off. And things are actually looking quite good for that."

With Wimmer sidelined, Hecking will likely turn to either Mattias Svanberg or Lovro Majer to fill the void in midfield. For Wolfsburg, every point counts now—and they'll need someone to step up in Wimmer's absence to keep their Bundesliga status alive.