Jaroslav Drobny is desperate for Hertha Berlin to end their eight-game winless run against Karlsruhe on Saturday afternoon.

The ambitious capital club have spent the better part of the year in mid-table and Drobny wants his team to finish the season on a high.

"It makes me sick that we haven't won a match in such a long time," the goalkeeper told www.bild.de.

"Most recently we have put in a couple of good performances but at the end of the day we were sitting empty-handed in the locker room. I hate that.

"Those moments are as frustrating for us as they are for the fans. It's time to win again."

Against Karlsruhe, Hertha will be without the services of Andre Lima (personal reasons), Lucio (knee surgery), Andreas Schmidt (toe) and Tobias Grahn (ankle).

Skipper Arne Friedrich is a major doubt due to an ankle knock, as is Steve von Bergen (thigh). Josip Simunic is expected to feature despite a broken nose, with Patrick Ebert likely to drop out of the starting line-up.

Karlsruhe coach Edmund Becker, meanwhile, has hinted he will give reserve player Stefan Buck a chance to shine.

The defensive midfielder has made just nine appearances so far this season, but Becker believes he deserves another opportunity to show his class.

"I prefer players who are eager to play over those who are happy to be on the bench," the coach told kicker magazine.

Swiss defender Mario Eggimann believes it is still possible for Karlsruhe, who were promoted last season and have so far chalked up 42 points, to break 50-point mark.

"We can still do it," he said.

On Saturday, Karlsruhe will be without Bradley Carnell (groin), Joseph Kennedy and Christopher Reinhard (both ankle).