Leandro faces early winter break

PSV Eindhoven may be without midfield player Leandro until next year after a scan confirmed a serious groin strain.

Stretchered off
The highly rated Brazilian teenager was carried off on a stretcher during PSV's Eredivisie game against Roda JC on Saturday having collapsed in agony after taking a free-kick. A subsequent scan revealed that he has ruptured a groin muscle.

Long-term injury
Leandro had been suffering from a long-term groin injury before Saturday's games but, after confirmation of the extent of his injury, it now looks certain that he will not be available until at least December and possibly the start of next year.

Winter comeback
A statement on the club's official website said: "It is to be expected that Leandro will play the final match before the winter break. But if there are any doubts as to his physical condition he will not return until after the winter break."

Fine start
The 18-year-old has made a fine start to his career since being handed his debut in August 2002 in an Eredivisie game against FC Groningen, impressing supporters with his fine skills and neat one-touch play. He made his UEFA Champions League debut against AJ Auxerre on Matchday One and has played in all three of his sides Champions League games this season.

Brazilian success
Signed from EC Vitória for €3m after being spotted by an Eindhoven scout in 2001 playing in a tournament in Vienna, Leandro represented Brazil in the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championship, scoring a superb winner in the group stage against Croatia.