Hannover suffer Barnetta blow
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Article summary
A cruciate injury could rule Hannover 96 and Switzerland's Tranquillo Barnetta out for the season.
Article body
Draw in Israel
The 19-year-old, who travelled to UEFA EURO 2004™ but did not play, ruptured a ligament during Switzerland's FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Israel on Saturday. National team doctor Roland Gossen diagnosed the injury in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw, with further tests at the Niedersachsenstadion revealing the full extent of the damage. He will undergo surgery tomorrow.
'Huge blow'
Hannover coach Ewald Lienen said of Barnetta, who recently marked his first Bundesliga start with a goal against FC Hansa Rostock: "It's a huge blow for the team. Tranquillo performed really well against Rostock and was on his way to becoming a regular starter. I'm really sorry for the lad."