Azaouagh to miss Schalke run-in
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Article summary
FC Schalke 04's Mimoun Azaouagh is out for the rest of the season as he requires a second knee operation.
Article body
'Huge talent'
The 22-year-old was described as a "huge talent" by Schalke general manager Rudi Assauer when signing for the Gelsenkirchen club from 1. FSV Mainz 05 in December. However, Azaouagh is still to play for his new side and must undergo surgery in the United States on the knee injury that has kept him out since November.
Initial operation
The German Under-21 international sustained ligament and cartilage damage in a collision with a team-mate during Mainz's Bundesliga game against VfL Wolfsburg four months ago, but the initial operation he had failed to resolve the problem.
More serious than anticipated
"I doubt that Mimoun will be able to return to the team this season," Schalke coach Rang Rangnick said. Because the injury is more serious than the club anticipated at the time of the transfer, Schalke have stated that they expect to pay less of the agreed - albeit undisclosed - fee to Mainz.
