Bochum have suffered hugely disappointing defeats in recent games and are desperate for three points at home to bottom-placed Hansa Rostock.

Bochum were stunned by a last-minute goal in their UEFA Cup tie against Belgian side Standard Liege, which put the visitors through on away goals.

They were also narrowly beaten in the Bundesliga by Schalke, 3-2, a game in which they staged a courageous fightback after trailing by three goals at the interval.

They were already smarting from a league defeat in their previous domestic encounter, with Werder Bremen having mauled their hosts 4-1.

The good news for Bochum is that their Danish striker Peter Madsen, linked with a transfer to Borussia Dortmund at a cost of 2million euros, has overcome an ankle injury and is poised to partner Vratislav Lokvenc in attack against Rostock.

"I'm happy to be back in shape and hope to help the team," he said. "We need to post our first home win and start a run."

But Alexander Knavs will be out for four to six weeks after picking up a knee injury and will be replaced by Martin Meichelbeck.

Momo Diabang is still sidelined with a serious knee injury, while Thomas Zdebel calf injury continues to cause him some discomfort. Christoph Preuss could take his place if he fails a fitness test.

Rostock replaced Hannover at the foot of the table after they were soundly beaten by them 3-1.

However, Rostock are yet to lose a game away from home this season in the Bundesliga.

The visitors expect to have a full squad to pick from with the exception of Gabriel Melkam, who is recuperating from knee surgery, while Godfried Adoube is expected to have recovered from his calf compliant.

Mathias Schober, the Rostock captain, has sounded out the rallying cry to his troops.

"We need regain our old virtues," he said. "The international break helped to forget the negative results. All we need to do now is start working extremely hard."