Streller facing eight weeks out
Monday, August 22, 2005
Article summary
VfB Stuttgart will be without Switzerland striker Marco Streller for up to two months after he tore a knee ligament in a German Cup tie at the weekend.
Article body
Cup injury
The 24-year-old was hurt in Stuttgart's 4-3 victory against third division TSG Hoffenheim in the first round of the German Cup. Streller limped off after 21 minutes of extra time, forcing the UEFA Cup contenders to finish the game with ten men as coach Giovanni Trapattoni had already made three substitutions.
Scan satisfaction
Streller was taken to hospital where scans revealed he had torn a ligament. "Luckily enough the cruciate ligaments weren't damaged, but the injury is still a blow," said Streller, who was out for eleven months after breaking his leg in the build up to UEFA EURO 2004™.
World Cup woe
As well as missing Stuttgart's entry into the UEFA Cup first round next month, Streller will be absent when Switzerland resume their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on 3 September against Israel. The Swiss are second in Group 4, a point behind the Republic of Ireland but with a game in hand.
