Adler operation a problem for Leverkusen
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen goalkeeper René Adler is expected to be out of action for some time after being sent for knee surgery, with sporting director Rudi Völler saying: "This is a huge blow."
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen are likely to be without goalkeeper René Adler for the start of their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign after the German international was sent for knee surgery.
The 26-year-old has been diagnosed with a damaged tendon in his right knee and will have an operation on Wednesday. Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Völler could not predict when Adler would be available again, saying: "This is a huge blow for us. We have to wait and see how the surgery goes. We can only hope he will be back as soon as possible."
Adler has been "feeling the pain" since his side's 4-0 pre-season friendly win against FC Salzburg, and said: "In order to play the upcoming season without problems, I have to have this operation." Bundesliga runners-up Leverkusen will compete in the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League group stage.