Justin Che has been fighting to earn any sort of role with Hoffenheim this season, but his quest to do so will be put on hold for the time being.

Che has been ruled out for up to one month, Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo said Thursday in his pre-match press conference. The U.S. men’s national team defender was promoted to Hoffenheim’s first team in mid-January after mainly featuring for the Under-23’s during the first half of the season.

“Unfortunately, Justin has problems with his knee and adductors. He will be out for three to four weeks,” said Matarazzo via LigaInsider.

The 19-year-old has made 15 appearances for Hoffenheim’s U-23 team this season, scoring one goal and adding one assist. He also logged 11 minutes in Hoffenheim’s 3-1 German Cup loss to RB Leipzig back on Feb. 1.

Che made three appearances for the first team last season following his arrival from MLS club FC Dallas. The former FC Dallas homegrown made 15 appearances in MLS and was also sent on loan to Bayern Munich II during the 2020-21 campaign.

Hoffenheim is in major trouble at the bottom end of the Bundesliga table, sitting outside of the relegation zone on goal difference. Fellow American defender John Brooks is also part of Matarazzo’s squad following his arrival from Benfica in January.

Hoffenheim hosts Borussia Dortmund on Saturday before trips to Mainz and Freiburg to begin March’s schedule.