FC Zürich's hopes of retaining their Swiss title have been hit by a serious injury to skipper Marc Schneider who will be out until the new year with achilles tendon trouble.

Major surgery
The 26-year-old defender broke down in training last month and has been sidelined since 12 August, but it has now been discovered that he needs surgery on both achilles tendons. His earliest possible comeback date is January 2007. Meanwhile, reserve goalkeeper Romeu Leite will be absent until October due to a heavily bruised shoulder. Zürich lead the Swiss Super League by two points from FC Sion, but exited the UEFA Champions League in the second qualifying round.