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Schneider confirmed as EURO absentee
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Bernd Schneider will play no part for Germany
at UEFA EURO 2008T (¿Getty Images)
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Bernd Schneider will definitely miss Germany's UEFA EURO
2008T campaign after undergoing surgery on a herniated disc in his back
last week.
Absence confirmed
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder was originally rated as doubtful for
the tournament after the operation in Hanover on 25 April. Today, however,
Germany coach Joachim Low received final confirmation of the 34-year-old's
unavailability, when he was informed that Schneider has been told not
to resume training for the foreseeable future.
'Vital element'
"The loss of Bernd Schneider really hurts us, as with his experience
and class he is a vital element and leader in our team," said Low,
whose side face Poland in their Group B opener on 8 June. "We waited
a few extra days to allow the doctors to come to a decision about the
EURO but now we must accept the fact that Bernd's recovery programme will
not allow for a speedy return."
Replacements
The news nonetheless means that Low can focus his attentions on finding
a replacement for Schneider during Germany's remaining pre-tournament
friendlies. "Now we have a definite decision, we can better prepare
for a new situation," said Low. Schneider, who featured six times
during qualification for UEFA EURO 2008T, has been restricted to 15 Bundesliga
appearances this term.
Euro2008.uefa.com,
2 May 2008
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