Janocko faces long lay-off

Torn ligaments
The Slovakian international midfield player has been sidelined for over a month after tearing cruciate ligaments during his side's 1-0 defeat by SK Sturm Graz on 5 March. It had been hoped he would make a rapid recovery but further examination revealed the extent of the tear and damage to his cartilage and meniscus.

Successful surgery
Janocko, 28, underwent surgery today and although the operation was deemed a success, he will be absent for as many as six months, ruling him out of the remainder of this season and the beginning of next. It is a bitter blow for Austria as their domestic and European campaigns reach their climaxes.

Parma tie
The club are just four games away from a place in the UEFA Cup final, ahead of their first leg at home to Parma. They return to domestic action on Sunday, however, to continue their pursuit of a 23rd Austrian Bundesliga title - they currently lie two points behind leaders SV Pasching with nine matches remaining.