Friday, 28th June, 2013
Less than 24 hours after admitting defeat in the race to snap up Johan Djourou from Arsenal, Hannover have been dealt a further blow with news that club captain Steven Cherundolo will miss pre-season training with a knee injury.
Cherundolo missed nine league games in the second half of last season due to knee problems, and took a knock in what was Hannover’s second day of pre-season training yesterday.
The United States international had to have fluid drained from his left knee, following a rough challenge in training, and is set to undergo keyhole surgery on that limb.
It means he will most likely miss the whole of pre-season training, but is optimistic of being back in time for the season opener.
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A club statement read: "After a collision in training on Tuesday, the USA international felt some pain in his left knee. That pain needed a joint aspiration to aid Cherundolo’s knee effusion.
"After a thorough appointment with Prof. Dr. Lobenhoffer, the decision was made to have an operation to smooth out the injured tissue in Cherundolo’s knee."
"The injury is frustrating, as is the timing", Cherundolo said. "But I am in good hands with the medical team here.
"I’m convinced that this operation will help me return and train without pain."
The 34-year-old is the club’s record appearance-maker in the Bundesliga, having played 300 games since arriving in 1999.
Hannover’s first game of the season takes place on 10th August, when they play host to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
The news on Cherundolo’s injury is further woe in a week that has seen them admit defeat when trying to convince Djourou to stay for an extended loan spell.
Instead, the club have lost out to Bundesliga rivals Hamburg, who are hoping to confirm the signing by next week.
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