Schneider Definitely Out

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Bernd Schneider will definitely miss this summer’s European Championship finals for Germany after undergoing a back operation.

German national team trainer Joachim Löw and Schneider reached an agreement on Friday that the 34 year old would not be part of the squad for this summer’s finals tournament in Austria/ Switzerland.

The veteran midfielder underwent an operation on his spinal disc last Friday and following advice from Leverkusen medical staff, Schneider has been advised not to return to full training until next season.


“Obviously, I am very disappointed, but health should always be the overriding priority” Schneider said.

“Who knows, there’s a World Cup being played in two years. But right now, I’ll focus strictly on my recuperation.”

Following their telephone call, Joachim Löw said: “Bernd is such an experienced player and at the same time a brilliant technician.

“His injury really hurts our team. We refused to take him off the roster following his spinal operation, because we wanted to wait a few days.

“But today we have to accept that not performing at the European Championships just gives him a much better chance to return quickly to his former capacities.”

Source: http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=682900