Wednesday, 20th November, 2013
Hamburg face an anxious wait for the return of Rafael van der Vaart to determine the extent of a suspected ankle injury picked up last night.
Holland international Van der Vaart was tackled heavily from behind by Colombia's Abel Aguillar when the two sides played out a goalless draw.
Van der Vaart had to be helped off the field by two Holland staff members in the 44th minute and coach Louis van Gaal later doubted the player would be fit for this weekend's domestic action.
Hamburg have announced the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder will undergo a scan later this afternoon and a prognosis will then be made.
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"After first impressions it looks to be an ankle injury", a statement on Hamburg's website today read.
"A detailed investigation will be carried out after Van der Vaart's return to Hamburg in the late afternoon. Only then can an assessment be made about whether and, if so, how long he will be out for."
Van Gaal, who was without Robin van Persie due last night, insisted there was nothing major in terms of the damage to Van der Vaart.
"Luckily nothing is broken or torn," he was quoted as saying. "It's a sprain, but I think that he will not play this weekend."
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